A signature hopper (30) is provided comprising a first drum (10) having a first gripper (28) for a lead edge of a folded signature (11), a second drum (20) having a second gripper (12) for an open edge of the folded signature (11), the second gripper (12) having a gripper finger (22) with an end curled in a direction of rotation of the second drum (20), a dipper blade (15) for pushing the open edge from the first drum (10) toward the second drum (20) so as to contact the gripper finger (22) and a stationary signature guide (23) spaced with respect to the first drum (10), the signature (11) contacting the signature guide (23) as the first drum (10) rotates the signature (11) past the signature guide (23). A method is also provided.