12:45am UK, Sunday December 26, 2010
Memorabilia traders say they have enjoyed a bumper festive period thanks largely to shoppers looking for gifts that might increase in value.
Sales of sport and movie material at the Superstars warehouse in Henley, Oxfordshire, have been particularly strong.
Owner Tim Terry said: "Signed football shirts and pictures will always sell well, but this year we've noticed an upturn in all sectors.
"Buying an item of memorabilia was once seen as perhaps something of a novelty purchase, but more and more people are realising that it can be a very good investment."
The most expensive item for sale at Superstars is a framed piece of paper bearing the signatures of all four Beatles.
Some pieces of memorabilia are unlikely to lose their value
"Material like this is extremely rare and it will only appreciate in value," said Tim.
"It will fetch £8,500 now but in years to come that could easily double."
Other examples include a pay cheque signed by Marilyn Monroe to an employee and a picture of footballing legend Pele embracing Muhammad Ali.
Tim said: "The market for memorabilia was once the domain of the collector, but 2010 has shown us that investors are getting wise to it too."
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