Smithfield-Herald 3/27/2007                
SPORTS MEMORABILIA COMES TO CLAYTON
CLAYTON -- A new store here is a treasure trove of celebrity and sports memorabilia.

Peter De Lorme is the owner of Legends Autographs in Riverwood Athletic Club. De Lorme has worked in sports memorabilia for more than 20 years, starting at age 10, when he began selling baseball cards in New York. In the 1980s, De Lorme began marketing autographed sports memorabilia, and he opened a gallery in Connecticut seven years ago. After moving to Riverwood in 2004, De Lorme decided to open a store here.

"I have got three kids, and one of the reasons I opened this shop right here in the community is so my three little ones can enjoy the business in whatever way they want," De Lorme said. "The other feature to this whole business is being able to meet the sports athletes and celebrities."

"The biggest thing for me is to have a lot of fun," he added. "I know a lot of people who don't like their jobs. I jump out of bed every morning because I like what I do."

Legends sells posters, jerseys, photographs, hats, baseballs, hockey sticks and pucks, footballs and other items signed by sports legends and celebrities. Among his collection are items signed by the 2005 men's basketball team at UNC-Chapel Hill, which won the NCAA championship. Also, De Lorme has a three-picture spread of Marilyn Monroe with her signature on the bottom.

So how does he find such treasures? Through public appearances, private autograph sessions, large companies and his "autograph seekers," who work out all over the country. Global Authentication Inc., a leading consumer-protection provider, issues a certificate of authenticity with all of Legends' merchandise.

"Authenticity is the number one important factor for us," De Lorme said. "I always say if it looks like a stealer or a real bargain beyond belief, it is probably not real. That's why for future resale value and future investment purposes, authenticity is a major factor."

If De Lorme does not have what a customer wants, he can usually find it. "Ninety-eight percent of the time, I can get what they're looking for," he said. "Right now, I am working on a John Travolta piece and a Nicholas Cage piece for somebody."

De Lorme has also brought celebrities to the Clayton store for autograph sessions. So far, boxer Jake "Raging Bull" Lamotta, N.C. State basketball legend David Thompson, Carolina Hurricanes player Ray Whitney and football player William "The Fridge" Perry have stopped by the store.

Throughout the years, De Lorme has worked closely with several charities, including the American Cancer Society, Duke Children's Hospital and American Heart Association. "That is the thing that is unique about our product," he said. "People are willing to donate to charity more than they normally would to purchase a piece of autograph memorabilia. It is really great because it helps a lot of charities."

Legends Autographs is at 439 Riverwood Club Blvd. Hours are 3 till 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more details, call 1-800-943-1399 or go to www.legendsautographs.com.