Hi--

Here's a lonk to a blog in Expert's Corner that discusses this topic and has some photo examples:

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/blog/post.php?topic=147

Overall, I believe that regardless of finish, the display area environmental conditions are the main factor in the long-term quality of the autograph, particularly the exposure (or non-exposure) to light.

Most finishes accept modern writing instruments equally well, with the possible exceptions of a heavy wax finish ( may encourage 'skipping' at the time of the autograph) or an unfinished, "no finish" bat which may promote bleeding from certain writing instruments.

A handy tip is to keep a few 'firewood' type bats around in various finishes and try out different writing instruments on them before getting your favorite Walker Finish (or whatever) bat signed at a shiow for a hundred bucks with your fingers crossed.

Also, preparation of the writing instrument, based on the signer's individual characteristics, as discussed in the above post, will yield great results.

Good Luck.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com