1. We employ museum-grade, acid-free, conservation materials when matting and framing autographs and collectibles. It is best to consult a professional rather than attempt conservation yourself. Locally, we recommend Vern Stein Fine Art with whom we have done business for over 25 years.
   

2. For high-end collectibles under glass, TruVue conservation glass is recommended as it blocks harmful UVF rays that, over time, cause breakdown of ink and can damage glossy photographs (especially contemporary silver-gelatin images).

3. Hang framed autographs on an interior wall, well away from extremes of heat or cold. Avoid direct contact with sunlight and fluorescent. It is advisable to “rotate” collectibles as well, as this lengthens their life.

4. Whenever cleaning the glass surface of your piece, apply the Windex or other cleaning solvent directly to the paper towel, not on the glass. Try to avoid contact with the wooden frame. Important, please note: your autograph display is matted under GLASS. Some collectibles are matted under Plexiglass. Never use Windex or other alcohol/ammonia based products to clean Plexiglass. There is a specific product for this purpose.
   

5. Pre-1800, paper was generally of a much-higher quality, often 100% cotton rag. This explains why it generally “weathers” better than contemporary wood-pulp paper. Nevertheless, care should be exercised to properly store documents that are not matted or framed. They should be store flat in acid-free folders. NOTA BENE: Often, early documents may have pencil notations made by dealers and collectors such as original price, dates, biographical info. If you do not want these to appear on your document, first make a good clear photocopy of the information so that it is preserved.

There is a whole different set of guidelines for books. We recommend the book

Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms and Other Prized Possessions. Published by Fireside books, Simon & Schuster, 2005, co-authored by Don Williams and Louisa Jaggar. Although out of print, this helpful book can be obtained through Amazon and Biblio.

Archival Resources at the Smithsonian, (si.edu/siasc) offers helpful, professional advice: Explore digital content from letters, manuscripts, diaries and journals, ledgers and stock books, photographs, scrapbooks, sketchbooks and drawings, technical drawings and blueprints, field notebooks, log books, rare printed materials, sound recordings, videos, and much more. Descriptions and detailed inventories of thousands of primary resource collections maintained by archival units across the Smithsonian.

Our collection is constantly changing. We recommend that you call or email to determine if an item is available. Once confirmed and a verbal or written order is placed, we invoice you (usually within 24 hours). Due to high demand for our inventory, we request that you remit payment promptly to avoid disappointment. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, we will hold your item(s) for 48 hours after which it returns to active inventory and available to others. IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: The items offered are unique and one of a kind. It is, therefore, necessary that you first contact us to determine availability or to ask questions or provide a wish list..

Please email us as follows: firsthillcorp@gmail.com

Our preferred method of payment is SQUARE — a fully secure, electronic, means of money transfer. We also accept PayPal, bank drafts and personal checks. Checks must first clear our bank before merchandise is shipped (usually no more than two to three business days). As an added convenience to our clients, we offer no-interest, 90-day, layaway on items valued at $250 or more. Terms are simple. Make three equal monthly payments (taxes and shipping included) and the merchandise will be yours. You forfeit one payment should you default in the layaway program and material returns to active inventory. Layaway is an affordable alternative for collectors on a budget

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IMPORTANT CHANGES IN OUR SHIPMENT POLICY. PLEASE READ.

In May 2020, the Board of Governors of the US Postal Service appointed Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General. It was DeJoy’s mission to employ any means possible to reduce costs. In the months ahead it became clear that his actions negatively impacted both delivery and rising costs for domestic and international mail. DeJoy has since been succeeded by David P. Steiner but there has been no end to increased prices and, in many cases, delay in the delivery of mail. Now, with the holiday season in progress, “temporary rate increases” have been enacted. Adding to the burden for postal consumers, the creation of US Presidential tariffs for shipments from and to the US have resulted in additional land taxes and fees, sometimes as much as 70% of the declared value of shipments. We do not anticipate a change in these policies any time soon. We ask you to please keep these changes in mind, particularly with respect to inventory originating from non-US territories. We pride ourselves on excellence in customer service. For US shipments we will continue to use USPS Priority Mail insured (for full declared value). Orders with a declared value of $500 or more will require a signature from the purchaser or his/her representative. For international orders, we may have to use DHL International which will result in an uncharge to guarantee faster, more reliable, service and excellent tracking capability. Overseas buyers must anticipate paying additional VAT and other fees. Such is the cost of doing business in our “new normal” world.

IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS we have experienced several lengthy delays of mail, particularly to non-US based clients. It took three months for one letter to reach a client in Ireland. Another client in Austria received a notice from his government’s postal service saying our Priority Mail International shipment could not be delivered…this despite the fact that the client has had the same post office box for more than 25 years. As a result of this error, the shipment is being returned to us. Another shipment destined for the UK now has found its way to customs in Japan.

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE. For US shipments we will continue to use USPS Priority Mail Insured (for full declared value). On all shipments to non-US based customers, with a value of $200 or more, we now will rely upon DHL EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL. This will result in a small uncharge to clients but it will guarantee faster, more reliable, service and excellent tracking capability. As a reminder, we must declare full retail value. This protects our mutual interests in the event of loss or damage. Overseas clients should anticipate paying nominal VAT and customs entry fees. We apologize for this inconvenience but it is the cost of doing business in this “new normal” world. Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you for your understanding.

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In the business of autographs and memorabilia since 1977, we are exacting in the classification, conservation and authentication of everything that we sell. Your treasure will be accompanied by a Professional Opinion Statement and, when available, additional information concerning the item. Should an item not be fully as described, we will refer the arbitration to a party of three professionals: two dealers selected by us and one by the client. The determination of said panel will be final.

We accept the return of merchandise within seven business days should it not meet or exceed your expectations. Shipment is at the expense of the client and merchandise must be in the same fine condition when received. Please call us first before returning any merchandise.

We value your confidentiality. Unless you give us express permission, we will not reveal your identity to any third party (even in the case of provenance). We do not sell or otherwise exchange your contact information with third parties.