How to preserve an autographed cue ball?

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baller4lifeii

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I recently got an autographed cue ball and was wondering how to maintain it. The autograph is in black permanent marker (sharpie). Is there anything I can spray/apply on the surface that would keep the ink from fading? Or should I just put it in a case? If so, does anyone know where I can get a good display case that would fit a cue ball and looks good? I was thinking about a tennis ball or baseball display case.

Thanks.
 
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baller4lifeii said:
I recently got an autographed cue ball and was wondering how to maintain it. The autograph is in black permanent marker (sharpie). Is there anything I can spray/apply on the surface that would keep the ink from fading? Or should I just put it in a case? If so, does anyone know where I can get a good display case that would fit a cue ball and look good? I was thinking about a tennis ball or baseball display case.

Thanks.
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Baseball display should work ok. I collected autographs for several years back in the early '90s, not just pool, either. I would suggest not spraying it with anything, but you might want to go to your local library and look at books on autograph collecting and get suggestions for preservation. In my experience, any thing you do to tamper with the signature is not a good idea.
Check for a good quality case on the Internet, maybe not just cheap plastic.
 
Next time have them autograph the bottom of a check. It'll be worth more.

I never understood autographs. It's like people feel the need to supply proof they crossed paths with someone. I prefer a handshake.
 
cleary said:
Next time have them autograph the bottom of a check. It'll be worth more.

I never understood autographs. It's like people feel the need to supply proof they crossed paths with someone. I prefer a handshake.
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People collect autographs for many reasons, the least of which is to "supply proof they crossed paths with someone". To me, it gives me a good feeling to have something I know they touched and attached their signature to. Some of my collection is signed to me personally, some not. Most people will never see my collection and I have no desire to show it off.
 
I have about 80 I keep them in base ball display cases they are about five bucks a peace in this area they keep just fine no trouble in five years
 
I can tell you how not to preserve it.

I had one signed by Buddy Hall and Nick Varner and I accidentally put it in the ball polisher.

baller4lifeii said:
I recently got an autographed cue ball and was wondering how to maintain it. The autograph is in black permanent marker (sharpie). Is there anything I can spray/apply on the surface that would keep the ink from fading? Or should I just put it in a case? If so, does anyone know where I can get a good display case that would fit a cue ball and looks good? I was thinking about a tennis ball or baseball display case.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
Back on topic... store it in a vacuum or in a cryogenic container for the optimum long term best results.
 
I'm guessing you can find a baseball display case at a local sports card/memorabilia shop or an online sports memorabilia dealer. If all else fails, try Amazon.
 
I guess you could buy some ball holders. Probably better if they are covered.

If you have access to a small wood lathe, you can make your own.

Same a making a bowl. Just a thinner piece of wood and put a smaller concave in the wood.

I have to make a few myself. In the mean time, I just don't let people touch my balls.

You can look, but no touchy.

Myself, I wouldn't try and put a coat of clear over top as it may make the Sharpie run.
And as someone mentioned, it may devalue the ball itself.
 
cleary said:
Next time have them autograph the bottom of a check. It'll be worth more.

I never understood autographs. It's like people feel the need to supply proof they crossed paths with someone. I prefer a handshake.
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I'm not a big autograph guy but......I had Efren and Shane sign the cue ball they played the match with and put it away in a corner. I have all the players sign the wall in the studio. You even signed it. Its not about what something is worth its about that moment in time and looking at the item and remembering.

People who want players to sign something in hopes it will add value do not make much sense to me.
 
baller4lifeii said:
I recently got an autographed cue ball and was wondering how to maintain it. The autograph is in black permanent marker (sharpie). Is there anything I can spray/apply on the surface that would keep the ink from fading? Or should I just put it in a case? If so, does anyone know where I can get a good display case that would fit a cue ball and looks good? I was thinking about a tennis ball or baseball display case.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have several signed cue balls that were used in TAR matches. They are all laying in the top of a tool box. So you could buy a tool box.....but I'm guessing the baseball holder is the answer though.
 
Put it in some sort of case or box that does not allow anything to touch the ball (except the bottom).

You might also consider something that holds the ball rigid in the box with braces top and bottom.
 
Its not about what something is worth its about that moment in time and looking at the item and remembering.
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Thats the Ticket. You can purchase autographed balls on EBay for an average price of $25. Earl and others have probably signed thousands.

Not many will be worth anything.

I had Cliff Thorburn sign 2 9 Balls for me. He told me that these were probably the only 2 that he can ever remember signing. He did say jokingly that it was something that he should have done many years ago to make money.

I gave one away to a charity pool tourney and I kept one. Probably not worth anymore than the average EBay price.

But JCIN is right, its not about worth as much as that moment in time.
 
Yea my ball is actually signed by Shane & Efren too from the match. I was there on Friday (not sure if you remember me). For lack of better things, I just had them sign the measles ball that I usually carry in my case.

Efren is, and has always been, my idol; and is the reason I really got into pool. It was also the first time I got to meet him. I don't have too many opportunities to travel and meet players, so for me, it's priceless. I look at it as both a treasured memory and also motivation to continue my playing.

Anyway, thanks all for the advice. I settled for a baseball display case for now.

JCIN said:
I'm not a big autograph guy but......I had Efren and Shane sign the cue ball they played the match with and put it away in a corner. I have all the players sign the wall in the studio. You even signed it. Its not about what something is worth its about that moment in time and looking at the item and remembering.

People who want players to sign something in hopes it will add value do not make much sense to me.
Click to expand...
 
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