So I won a hat signed by Gary Yamamoto.....how much is it worth? I'm tempted to wear the hat, but if it's valuable, I don't want to ruin it by wearing it, and would rather preserve it. 

You are aware that only 5% of the world population knows who he is? 

Wear it! 

Interesting, but not valuable. 

 

 

18 minutes ago, a1712 said:

You are aware that only 5% of the world population knows who he is? 

I would be shocked if it were .05%

Wear it to your next bass tournament, might get a few offers, or at least a few looks of admiration from fans of his baits, but I don't think they will be preserving Mr. Yamamoto's autograph in the Smithsonian any time soon.

It only has value for people like us, and as much of a presence we think we have because so many congregate here and we all know of, like, 50 YouTube fishermen, we're few and far between. I would keep it for my personal collection because of my love for the hobby and sport due to the fact that it means so much to me personally, but not because of it have real value.

30 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I would be shocked if it were .05%

.000000000005

But we know who he is and one of my heroes! The Senko brought me back

into fishing in 1996. I have a signed Rick Clunn and Bill Dance. Not for sale,

they look great in my Man Cave.

Try it on eBay....... then wear it! 

Tell people he was a Japanese admiral. That'll jack up the price.

40 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I would be shocked if it were .05%

 

 

And, of the small percentage of people who know who he is, an even smaller percentage would be willing to buy it.

 

Wear it or display it.

My ex-father in law used to work security at concerts. We were back stage at a Blake Shelton concert one time and Blake was hammered. He (my FIL) grabbed my cap off my head and had Blake sign it. I said "You just ruined my hat" LOL

It's kind of like the REO Speedwagon pick I caught at a concert one time. Probably not worth much to others, but to me it is. And that's all that matters. 

10 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

It's kind of like the REO Speedwagon pick I caught at a concert one time. Probably not worth much to others, but to me it is. And that's all that matters. 

Or the autographed BOC baseball cap I got back in '82 during the 'Fire' tour.

 

Far as the Gary Y cap - wear it proudly...caps are meant to be worn with very few exceptions.

1 hour ago, The Bassman said:

Tell people he was a Japanese admiral. That'll jack up the price.

That was my thought. 

 

“Hey! Isoroku is ‘Gary’ in English. This hat is worth $$$”

 

Google Yamamoto. You won’t see Gary on any of the initial hits. You will see Yamamoto bleach. ?

Unless you have certified proof that an autograph is authentic, it can actual decrease the value (condition) of memorabilia.  For example, if you have a favorite baseball player and get the opportunity to meet them, have them sign the case the card is in and not the card itself.

 

As far as your hat, it's not going to get a high appraisal, but an individual buyer may see some value in it. 

 

I'd wear it, but not as an everyday piece.  Pretty cool item!

1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said:

My ex-father in law used to work security at concerts. We were back stage at a Blake Shelton concert one time and Blake was hammered. He (my FIL) grabbed my cap off my head and had Blake sign it. I said "You just ruined my hat" LOL

Blake Shelton hammered? No way! ?

 

I wouldn’t mind tipping a few back with him. He seems like a cool guy. 

I'll give you $20 cash and a half-used pack of senkos

I once got pulled over by a trooper for going 30 mph in a 25 mph zone. ?

 

As the officer approached my door, on his name plate was Yamamoto. 
 

I asked if he had a relative named Gary. He said no and after a stern warning, I told him to tell his cousin to send me a pack 222 senkos. 
 

He had no clue what I was talking about. 
 

Other claim to fame is that I have a signed hat from Bill Dance. 

Looks like I'll be wearing it...it's a nice hat.

I've got a signed hat from Harold Ensley, one from Denny Brauer, one from Jay Yelas, and one from KVD. They're cool memorabilia to me, but nothing of any value.

 

Mine are all stored in plastic and never worn.

I would treat it like it was made of gold!!! Wear it some but in 10 years make sure it still looks good as new is my advice.

I have Earl Flynn’s bed. 

I have an autographed hat from Ike that I got about 17 years ago, and his book I have is autographed. @OCdockskipper has hounded me for years for them both and even offered me big money. I won’t budge. 

11 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

It's kind of like the REO Speedwagon pick I caught at a concert one time. Probably not worth much to others, but to me it is. And that's all that matters. 

We have a BR member who was in the band .