Autographed cartridges - protection and display?

[mhedges]

Hello - 

 

I have a couple of autographed cartridges, and would like to have one displayed on my desk.

 

Several questions:

 

1. Have any of you protected a cartridge for display purposes?

2. If yes, how?

3. Expanding on #2, have you ever embedded or encased a cartridge in lucite or resin?  

 

"Tombstones" are sometimes used for decorative purposes in resin or lucite.  For example, you participated in an important transaction, or you simply embedded a penny or a stamp or a bug or whathaveya.  This sound interesting to me, although I worry about possible damage to the case, the stickers, the autograph during the process and in the future if there is UV discoloration or lucite yellowing.  That said, I've had a lucite tombstone on my desk since 2009 and is not yellowed.

 

4. If lucite or resin are a no-no, what alternative is there?

 

 

Thanks, regards.

 

 

 

[CPUWIZ]

Someone makes cart protectors, that look just like box protectors.  Don't have a link handy.

[CPUWIZ]

One source, so you can see what I am talking about.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/50-x-Cartridge-Protector-Box-for-Atari-2600-Game-Cart-0-4mm-Plastic-Display-Case/222755542341?epid=932545358&hash=item33dd43d545:g:LCoAAOSwjZJZ9gW2

[high voltage]

I got signed carts, mostly from some pimpled kids who owned them before me.

[+-^CrossBow^-]

I have several signed carts in my collection. I actually keep mine in a cartridge holder in a glass display case in my game room. I of course have normal versions of the games for actual play as well or in their boxes. But that is what I've done. 

[cvga]

I have one signed cart that's just sitting exposed on top of my bookshelf. I feel like such a bad owner!

[mhedges]

Here's the cartridge:

 

[Spriggy]

10 hours ago, CPUWIZ said:

Someone makes cart protectors, that look just like box protectors.  Don't have a link handy.

https://retroprotection.com/Atari-2600-Cartridge-protectors_c261.htm

 

I have used these for my 2600 collection for a few years.  Gr8 imo.

[jhd]

 

One important consideration is to keep them away from direct sunlight (or in a case with UV protection), otherwise the label (and signature) will fade. I understand that florescent lights (I am unsure about incandescent lights) can also cause this to happen. 

 

I have purchased many books where the spine is badly sun-faded while the covers remain the original dark colour. 

[cvga]

There are a couple of game stores around here that have had the same stock near the front windows for so long that all of the games are sun-faded