I'll Trade You Two Madonnas For One Marilyn...

At some of Herman Darvick's recent auctions in New York, a campaign poster signed by Bill Clinton and Al Gore commanded $770, an autographed photo of blues singer Billie Holiday fetched $1,540, and a piece of paper signed by Marilyn Monroe as "Mrs. Joe DiMaggio" sold for $1,430. Then there was the beeper contract inked by Amy Fisher, a.k.a. "Long Island Lolita": Bidders lifted its price to $1,430.

Hobbyists are shelling out big bucks for practically anything signed by living or deceased luminaries. Many collectors stick to one category, such as Nobel prize winners or aviation aces. For others, the thrill is making contact, however briefly, with celebrities of any stripe. Pen at the ready, these are the autograph hounds who stalk the famous outside stage doors and at ballparks.