Introducing Investing in memorabilia

Similar to a souvenir, memorabilia (from Latin, for memorable) is an object that is treasured for its memories; however, unlike souvenirs, memorabilia are valued for a connection to a historical, sporting event, culture, entertainment.

Such items include cigarette cards, air sickness bags, publicity photographs, posters, entertainment-related merchandise, movie memorabilia, pins and other items.

But for the most part memorabilia is merchandise which is manufactured to cash in on an event, a royal wedding, a movie, the cup final, anything you can think of really.

As traditional investment opportunities such as stocks and shares continue to flounder, it is easy to see why investing in memorabilia is such a growth market.

Perishable commodities are reliable because of diminishing supplies, and they do well financially because they are underpinned by huge worldwide collector bases, so while demand increases and supplies diminish - together with natural loss through damage or destruction - there is a consistent increase in prices of items in good condition.

Another reason is diversification. We live in a world where terrorist attacks can occur at any time and place, where political tension threatens to disrupt normal trade relationships.

Financial institutions are going down the tubes. Economic uncertainty seems to be a way of life. There are few sure bets in the global markets nowadays. Investments in memorabilia however, have historically been broadly unaffected by political and economic vagaries. Just think of all the treasures that are smuggled out of bombed-out cities, when businesses and property are in ruins. According to the international Institute of Trading Mastery, during the last inflationary period in the 1970's the best investment was collectible material.

The fundamental market forces of supply and demand suggest that perishable commodity prices will continue to rise. Fuelled by constant positive media interest and increased awareness from the investment community, demand for high quality autographs and is booming.

For instance a signed photograph of Princess Diana in 1997 would have cost around £1,200 , and in 2008 around £8,500 that is a 608.3% Growth rate.

Be aware of forgeries, I am referring particularly to signatures, where it is a simple matter of scribbling a few notes or an autograph in the style of.

Make sure it is genuine, all the items I acquire are fully authenticated.

Take a look at the examples of other signed photographs and there growth rates.