Ep 10. Autograph Addicts

Strange Inheritance season 3 episode 10, titled "Autograph Addicts," delves into the world of autograph collecting and the lucrative business surrounding it. The episode follows a collection of over 100,000 autographs, which was amassed by Frank Garo, a seasoned autograph dealer.

Garo's passion for collecting autographs began when he was just ten years old and met Mickey Mantle at Yankee Stadium. From then on, he became obsessed with meeting and collecting the signatures of famous people, not just from the world of sports, but from all walks of life. Over the years, Garo became one of the most respected and knowledgeable dealers in the field, even earning the nickname "the autograph doctor."

However, when Garo passed away, his family was left with the daunting task of sorting through his massive collection and deciding what to do with it. Garo's wife and daughter found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of autographs and the memories and emotions that came with them. They reached out to the show's host, Jamie Colby, for advice and assistance with evaluating the collection's worth.

Colby brought in two experts in the field, autograph authenticator Ron Keurajian and memorabilia dealer Ross Waxman. Together, they inspected the collection and were amazed by the variety and quality of autographs, which included signatures from Marilyn Monroe, Martin Luther King Jr., and Albert Einstein. The experts estimated that the collection was worth several million dollars and advised the family on the best way to sell it.

The family ultimately decided to auction off the collection, and the episode follows their journey as they prepare for the auction and say goodbye to their beloved husband and father. The auction itself is a thrilling event, with collectors and dealers from all over the country bidding on their favorite items. Several items sold for well above their estimated value, including a Mickey Mantle-signed baseball bat that sold for $43,000 and a rare Martin Luther King Jr. signature that sold for $15,000.

Throughout the episode, Colby also interviews other autograph collectors and dealers, giving viewers a glimpse into the world of autograph collecting. She explores the psychology behind the hobby and the varying motivations of collectors, some of whom are motivated by the financial rewards while others are passionate about preserving history.

Overall, "Autograph Addicts" is a fascinating look at a unique and little-known corner of the collecting world. The episode provides insight into the art of authenticating autographs and the economics of buying and selling them. It also delves into the emotional side of collecting and the ways in which these signatures can become powerful connections to the past and the people who made history.