Remember the episode of I Love Lucy in which Lucille Ball pleads with actor Richard Widmark to autograph her grapefruit? Some of us — the kid screaming, "Sign my ball!", the lady waiting patiently at the stage door, Playbill and pen in hand — just crave inked evidence of our heroes. Whether you seek a purposeful jot or a scribbled inscription, two local autograph dealers specialize in unusual and rare examples of celebrity John Hancocks.

At Orpheus Performing Arts Treasures, you could say that the writing’s on the walls. It has autographed photos of Mae West ($225) posing in her signature saucer hat, a kohl-eyed Jean Harlow ($175), a grinning Irving Berlin ($1595). Owner and musicologist Ed Tapper originally opened Orpheus as a music store, specializing mostly in classical and show tunes, back in 1996. But repeated customer requests for memorabilia convinced him to branch out. It didn’t hurt that Tapper had collected autographs since he was a child (his first was that of famed 19th-century thespian Sarah Bernhardt). Now, Orpheus offers an eclectic variety of entertainment-industry-related mementos for just about every taste and budget, from noteworthy classical composers such as Stravinsky ($595) to genius conductors like Wilhelm Furtwangler ($1395) to top-billed crooners like Enrico Caruso ($1750), and a binder containing everyone from Liz Taylor ($225) to Adrienne Barbeau ($10).

The Orpheus collection also includes personal letters and business contracts. Tapper spells out the appeal of his unique inventory as follows: "Having a signed photograph is a wonderful thing. If it’s by a famous photographer and dedicated to somebody special, then it’s really interesting. That combination of aesthetics and history is very appealing. It’s like owning a bit of a person." Orpheus claims to be the only autograph store in New England specializing in the arts; the store also sells CDs, DVDs, LPs, videos, and laser discs.

Then there’s Larry Richmond, who, simply put, deals in the Rolls Royces of signed prints. As son of world-renowned stamp dealer and philatelist Stanley Richmond, Larry grew up in the high-end-auction arena. Driven by a twin love of images and history, he began amassing an impressive catalogue of highly prized items. Now president of American Historical Auctions, Larry has a wealth of autographed photos for sale: the second-rarest photo of Babe Ruth in existence ($75,000); a thrice-signed Robert E. Lee ($15,000); circus impresario P.T. Barnum ($5000); aviation hero Charles Lindbergh ($5000); Wild West showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody ($4000); and legendary escape artist Harry Houdini ($9000), to name just a few.

The hallmark of Richmond’s catalogue is impeccable quality. "I’m a condition freak, only clean, top-of-the-line stuff," he says. The bulk of his inventory dates from the Civil War to the 1930s and specializes in presidential, aviation, sports, and popular figures. He sells at periodic auctions and by appointment. "My business is driven by my passion," Richmond explains. "I buy what I love, using my expertise and knowledge to understand what’s valuable."

Where to find it:

• American Historical Auctions, 24 Farnsworth Street, Suite 605, Boston, (617) 443-0033.

• Orpheus Performing Arts Treasures, 362 Comm Ave, Boston, (617) 247-7200, orpheusbos@aol.com.