Deciphering Authentic Autographs

 Last week an individual who visited my web page contacted me asking about very rare autographs of the "Rat Pack" members. Being an avid Joe Sinatra collector (and very experienced together with his autograph ) for possibly more than 30 decades I suspected before also viewing them so it was extremely UN-likely these were authentic. But I recommended he send them to a 3rd party authorization company like PSA or JSA. And in addition they unsuccessful authentication. He explained he wasn't concerned since the vendor in Las Vegas included her Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. What happened next is very important and what Every one whoever purchases a higher price autograph must think about. The seller reacted with "oh I don't think much of JSA" ;. Kobe Bryant Autographed Photos

Today I wasn't so bothered with the very fact she didn't like JSA, but what I came across so unsettling is that this can be a serious issue within the autograph souvenirs industry. And, it essentially makes virtually every autograph Whole life Guarantee COA WORTHLESS! Sure, I claimed useless! Why? Because what this seller did is wholly VOID her duty by issuing a COA that had NO conditions, no standard. Therefore, irrespective of WHAT or WHO authenticated this autograph, all of the seller had to accomplish was argue with the finding. I guess for days gone by two decades I believed different dealers released COAs that secured the customer and NOT eliminate all duty of the seller. I believed all trustworthy retailers did what I have done for days gone by 20 + years and that's especially state in the COA "what is really a non reliable autograph" ;.Anyone who has bought from us could see on our COAs that individuals state "when it fails PSA or JSA authentication" ;.Ergo, there will never be considered a problem, if such a situation must arise. Number room for meaning, no shake space for the dealer, no conning the customer.

Meanwhile, next conversation needed place, I began going right on through all my COAs from other traders, trustworthy dealers. And guess what? NO ONE, NOT ONE dealer describes in his/her COA what constitutes a non authentic autograph. So, are these different retailers honoring their Whole life COAs? And who do they accept because the "final word" on the autograph? Do some say PSA or only JSA, or maybe reject ANY alternative party verification? Who understands? But, unless the COA specifically claims who and what authentication is appropriate to be able to recognition a return, it is really a wondering game. And, absolutely not in the favor of the buyer.

Today I understand there are trustworthy dealers that WILL honor a PSA or JSA finding. But, why keep it open for model? Why not utilize a typical on the COA, therefore the customer won't have to fear should the above mentioned situation develop?

1). Proceed with caution with ANY dealer that uses NO alternative party certification, PARTICULARLY for top end items. Not that each piece they offer needs PSA or JSA but that the dealer engages a standard. Although authorization services aren't perfect, they are a skilled second view AND an opinion that is independent and has NO economic fascination or error as does the seller offering the item. Also, think hard about any supplier that is against 3rd party authenticators as it might indicate they've anything to hide.

2). Sellers who provide bad photos or NO close-ups of the signature on the website, so you cannot quickly examine the autograph. They might have grounds why they don't need one to see close-ups. As an example, merchants offering "clipped" signatures of high end stuff like Mary Franklin for $15,000 and not really article a up close image of it on their internet site. AND, no alternative party authentication. Some of those retailers are depending on the inexperienced, vulnerable customer (i.e. victim) ahead along.