The auction of celebrity autographs did not happen overnight. It took three years to collect all 63 items, and each came with a story all its own.

Take the pair of ice skates autographed by Dorothy Hamill. The skater took time to sign them before a performance of the "Christmas Angel" at the Brown County Arena. Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell delivered a commencement address at Saint Norbert College, where he signed a model Saturn V rocket. And, the alumni relations office at Embry Riddle Aeronautic University in Florida helped contact Captain Scott O'Grady to sign a model of his F-16 fighter jet.

One of the autographs was obtained by a young Brian LaViolette himself. Golf great Arnold Palmer signed a cap while playing the Sentry World course in Steven's Point, Wisconsin. The hat remained a cherished part of Brian's personal collection for many years.

But perhaps the biggest challenge was former President George Bush. It took the U.S. Secret Service to help obtain his signature. At first, agents would "neither confirm nor deny" Bush's presence at a golf course in Kohler, Wisconsin. After a lot of talking and a lot of pleading, Doug LaViolette was finally allowed to leave scale models of Air Force One. They came back signed, with a handwritten note reading: "I was glad to sign them. Good luck with the fund that honors Brian. Sincerely, George Bush."

What They Sold For...

James Lovell signed rocket $1,100

Tom Hanks signed Private Ryan poster $1,700

George Bush signed Air Force One model $900

Scott O'Grady signed F-16 model $500

Dorothy Hamill signedice skates $600

JFK Jr. signed photo $2,900

Abraham Lincoln signed envelope $13,000

Lady Diana autographed photo $4,600

Arnold Palmer hat $600

Tiger Woods signed Masters flag $3,650

Own a Piece of History--The Autograph You've Always Wanted

An instant heirloom, to be treasured for generations. A one-of-a-kind collector's item, a special gift and a valuable investment. Professionally framed, or magnificently displayed.

The autograph auction was a project three years in the making. During that time, we developed sources which helped us secure a number of rare and hard to get signatures--from George Bush to Tiger Woods, Elvis Presley to Abraham Lincoln. If there's an autograph you would like to own, chances are we can obtain it. Please call (920) 336-5115 and let us know how we can help. (guaranteed authentic)