Question
So I had come across a scrapbook with autographed photos and letters from a wide variety of 1970s politicians. Most modern political autographs have minimal value, other than the President or others involved in some kind of scandal. The only interesting thing about this particular group was that it was somewhat apparent that the guy was collecting signed photos from what might be considered hunky politicians. This is San Francisco, after all. I pulled out and sold the few slightly better autographs and eventually listed a bunch of rest of them on ebay for $5 each.
Most sold for $5; a couple sold for a bit more. What's interesting is that one of the politicians bought his own autographed photo! He was slow to contact me after the auction ended, and even slower to pay. I didn't put two and two together until his check finally arrived, like three weeks after the auction had ended. The guy's name is the same as the person who signed the photo. The signatures on the check, and the enclosed card with mailing information, are identical to the signature on the photo. His address is in the state which he represented in the Senate.
I have not asked this guy why he would buy his own autographed photo. I cannot imagine why he would! I was half-way tempted to ask if he'd like to buy a card and check that he signed. Or to list the items on ebay and see if he bids on that stuff, too.
Very strange!
Answer
That is SO FUNNY! And bizarre! Who elected that guy?!
Obviously he wanted to get it out of circulation for some reason. But what could that reason be?
Wow, thanks, sanfranfabu, now I'm going to be puzzling over that for the rest of my days!
Answer
could it be a son ?
is he still alive ?
soimeone from the same state with the same name ?
I suspect there is more than one George Bush from texas
Answer
There has been numerous times that i have sold vintage promotional photos on eBay to the celebreties themselves. The most recent was one of the regulars from The Love Boat who told me she didn't have a copy of the photo that I was offering and wanted it for her scrapbook. (she ran the price up nicely in the process, too )
Considering the sheer number of candid photos that get taken of politicians each year, I can see where something like an old autographed one would be wanted by the individual themself if it is one they DON'T already have.
Hopefully the half dozen signed 1974 Joe Biden pics I have will be "in demand" by someone when i list them......and if the winner wants them sent to his Senate office~~~NO problem!
Answer
I'm almost completely positive that it is the guy himself buying the autographed photo -- his handwriting and signature are atrocious, but are identical when comparing the autographed materials and the just-received check and accompanying note.
And the autographed photo wasn't a candid -- it came from the guy himself, along with a short note thanking the requestor for asking for a photo!
Since I'm not the type to engage in conversations with buyers, I imagine that this is a mystery that will remain unsolved.
Answer
Was it one of the photos that sold for the $5.00 opening bid?
Maybe he just wanted to get the bidding going, and if it sold for more than opening, maybe he wanted to help the bidding along... You know, make it look like his autograph is "in demand"...
It *IS* kinda weird.... I can see what packrat was saying... But since you said it's a photo that he gave out himself to people, it would be odd if he didn't already have a copy of it...