Third Party Authentication

Over and over the so called "experts" still can't get it right.  But, then again they only give you an opinion for your hard earned money. Harder than being an real expert, try finding out the name of the person at the authenticating company who gave you their best guess.

IMPOSSIBLE!

Play autograph authenticator for a few minutes. The first illustration is a record album said to be signed by Liza  authenticated by JSA.Is PSA right on thier guess?

Beckett's guess is that the following is genuine.

One or both of the above is wrong.  Can anyone believe that both of these signatures were signed by the same hand?

Now, let's go across the pond and see how things are different or the same.  Is anyone is familiar with an outfit names Autografica?

They have an impressive 18,236 positive feedbacks.  How does this signature compare with the first two illustrated above?

Answer is, it doesn't!  This seller of autographs tries to impress you stating  that they are a member of the U.A.C.C.

The U.A.C.C. struggling for many years finally went caput. The new U.A.C.C. has been trying for some time to ressurect and  it only has 15 members.  Autografica is not one of them.

I have to believe the three items illustrated above are signed by three different hands.

To put readers at ease, the following two illustrations have been hand signed by Liza Minelli.

Recommended, should you have something in your collection that comes with a COA from any of the three high profile authenticating companies, take a closer look and do your own research.

Now, you may understand why the PADAH group does not have to give a refund based on someone who spent money and got a guess from a company who claims to authenticate autographs.

See the impressive list of PADAH dealers by clicking on PADAH on this home page.

National Sports Card Convention could clean up the autograph and forgery problem

Posted by stephen koschal on July 27, 2025 at 5:39pm

 With all the forgeries now entering the market, it's up to the big boys to once again take charge and do something about it. The National Sports Card Convention would be a  great place to start.  Assuring collectors who will stand in line to get into the convention could be assured that the owners of the National are doing all they can to ensure the dealers exhibiting are doing their best that all autographs sold are genuine.  The National could in their advertisements make a statement that an un-identified autograph expert will be walking the floors looking at autographs that are on display and are for sale.  This alone, would stop some sellers from bringing in for sale some questionable autographs.The National should not have such a short memory that not long ago one seller of autographs that was selling forgeries to  several dealers was removed from the show by security.  This event, this same dealer will have a booth at the show.  I'm positive there are dealers on the waiting list for a booth and not have to rely selling a booth to someone with such a questionable background.  The National should take the lead during these troubled times and give collectors and new dealers some piece of mind.

Stephen Koschal

Colorado Springs, Co

Encapsulated Autographs - Collectors Might Want to Reconsider

Posted by stephen koschal on August 20, 2025 at 5:12pm

As time goes by, things start to turn up. When a collector purchases a desirable autograph, they want to feel the item that  the celebrity actually touched and signed. Putting your treasured autograph in a "coffin" makes little sense.

The fact that a thrid party "authenticating company" handled your item and in many cases mis-authenticated the item is sad enough. This is very common.  The fact that they charged you for the mis-authenticaion is a disgrace then to  get you for an additional fee for encapsulating adds insanity to an already "guess" on the authentication.

The following is just one of many examples of a mis-authenticated autograph that some collector paid two fees.

The "experts" at PSA/DNA clearly state the signature of Justin Verlander is AUTHENTIC.

The collector was cahrged a fee for this "expert" opinion"  Wonder how much time was put into authenticating this signature.

On the back of this card is a statement stating the signature is a reproduction.

These mistakes are common when a company who "claims" to authenticate autographs proves thier worth.

This card tells the "expert" in print the signature is a reproduction.  Many signatures that have been mis-authenticated do not have a warning on the back of the item.  However, many signatures may have a note in pencil stating "Autopen", "Secrearial," "forged", etc that is overlooked.

Now, let's take a moment to discuss an additional tragedy named encapsulation.

What do we know of the plastics that are used by these authenticators.  Under good conditions, paper is expected to breathe.  Paper, 3"x5" etc, are not meant to be placed in a "coffin" made of plastic which is made from oil.

Over time, this is what you may expect. This holder is supposed to be high quality found in most sports card shops

To date, who knows how much time needs to pass as the yellowing gets to the signature. 

Signatures are meant to be kept in a dark place, free of moisture and handled with care.

At this time it is best to avoid gimmics created by companies trying to trick you into an additional fee.

Certificates of Authenticity For Sale

Posted by stephen koschal on September 22, 2024 at 2:44pm

Autograph Authentication - Who to Choose

Posted by stephen koschal on September 10, 2024 at 3:45pm

It's important to note that I cannot guarantee that any item will pass aurthentication by a third-party authenticator. Authentication decisions are influenced by various factors, including the methods and criteria used by the authenticator, as well as the specific context in which the item was obtained. Most important is the quality of the reference material available to the authenticator and their abiliy of knowing how to use it.  This is just one example why there are so many differences of opinion between authenticating companies when one or more authenticators are used for the same item.

Third-party authenticating companies often have multiple employees who interpet differently the standards used to authenticate, this is a reason why individual assessments can still vary.

Therefore, no item can ever be guaranteed to pass authentication, as each companies evaluative process is unique and subjective.

As sellers and auctioneers of autographs, members of PADAH (Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses) our reputation is our main concern.  All members passed strict scrutiny and each provides an accurate description and representations of the items they sell.

Guarantees about third-party authentication would not be ethical or professional, given the inherent variability in the authentication process.

Remember, legally, the most important document a collector needs is a properly filled out receipt from a member of PADAH.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N1N37y4pg4uC_BuzuaDZGjr4OSkU9ZJa/view?usp=sharing

Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon is now 95 years old.  Autograph forgers have found now is the time to start thier sleezy work. Forgeries of Buzz Aldrin's signature are now becoming somewhat common.  See two terrible forged signaures of Buzz Aldrin below. 

To no surprise the first illustration is authenticated as genuine by JSA.  This is one of a plethora of autographs certified as genuine that are worthless by those who call themselves autograph authenticators.

To an untrained eye, the second signature was authenticated by a seller of autographs who proudly advertises they are a member of the defunct UACC.   The whole thing, including the three word sentiment is VERY poorly executed.  It's amazing that someone would attach their name to this piece of garbage. The forger adding the three word sentiment thought this would make the item an easy sell.  WRONG!  There's something in this sentiment that is a dead give away as to it being a forgery.  I'll tell you if you ask.

Illustrated below are two more worthless forgeries. If you get fooled, just look at these prices.  Wait till you try to sell them at a later date.  This is enough to get you to find another hobby!

The following are two examples of books genuinly signd by Buzz Aldrin.

Like anything else nothing is 100% perfect however for over 55 years I have been writing to choose an inscribed and signed book over one simply signed. Afterall, autograph collecting is all about handwriting and signatures. Don't turn down that book inscribed and signed by Lincoln just because it is inscribed to someone else.

BEST WAY TO AVOID PURCHASING A FORGED AUTOGRAPH, purchase the item from one of the 70+ professional autograph dealers and auction houses.  PADAH  (Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses) IS THE LARGEST AUTOGRAPH DEALER ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD.  NOT ONE COMPLAINT AGAINST ONE IF ITS MEMBERS SINCE ITS INCEPTION.

This one story is about as bad as it can get.  This is a perfect example why the hobby is in a decline.  This is also another reason why this collector could be done with this hobby.

The following illustration is said to be a genuine signature of astronaut Scott Carpenter.  The genius who thoroughly examined this autograph is a person (you'll never know who) called an "expert" at JSA.  See illustration below.

Put a few drops in your eyes and see the back of this card. This authenticating company was proud to place their sticker on the item which usually decreases the value of an autographed item. In this case you can't destroy an item that is already mis-authenticated.

Below are four illustrations of genuine signatures of Scott Carpenter.

Most can understand why "PADAH"  a group of over 70 professional autograph dealers and auction houses do not have to refund for any item that comes with a COA from a high profile company who claims to authenticate autographs.

Don't say you haven't been warned for years about the inability of the high profile authenticators who are unable to authenticate autographs accurately.  One "expert" sold ladders at a hardware business.  He thought he knew how to climb to the top of authenticating.   Another was caught selling bogus autographs out of a shopping cart at the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago. He was removed from the show by law enforcement. Later in a court of law he was asked if he was the person that sold bad autographs at the event and his response was "I don't recall."

A Chief Executive Officer of a third high profile authenticating company admitted to me, in writing "In a twelve month period .....admitted they paid over $300,000 for errors."  Of course the little guy is usually ignored and only the very active customer gets the attention.

A very recent email from a well known collector wrote the following.  Amazing after all the warnings throughout the years, there are still a handfull caught up in the autograph authenticating racket.  Read the following twice to ensure you fully understand the serverity of the text.

BREAKING NEWS: Sports memorabilia dealer admits scamming collectors in bizarre, $350M fraud and forgery scheme

A sports collectibles dealer claims he sold more than four million forged and fake memorabilia items, scamming the hobby for more than $350 million in illegal sales.

One of the largest sports collectibles forgery rings in the hobby has been busted in a bizarre fraud and forgery case that is still developing.

The Westfield (Ind.) Police Department raided two locations on Tuesday and Wednesday, loading semi-trucks with seized items. The department confirmed Wednesday night that it discovered a dead body at one of the locations. Police did not release the name of the individual, but confirmed that they died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sports collectibles dealer Brett Lemieux published a post in the Facebook group Autographs 101 admitting to forging millions of athlete autographs and holograms over the past 20 years under the company name Mister Mancave.

“Mistermancave has sold over 4 million items. Yes million. Surpassed 350 million in sales,” Lemieux stated in his manifesto on Wednesday.

“Huge forger finally went down yesterday... insane details are floating out there today. One of the biggest on eBay. Insane stuff. Maybe one of the biggest forgery rings in the history of autographs.

“It's gonna blow away Operation Bullpen. It will make that look like small beans,”

On Wednesday night, the Westfield Police confirmed that it had executed a search warrant in the 16800 block of South Park Dr. regarding a counterfeit sports memorabilia scheme. According to police, it extended its search on Wednesday to the 300 block of Hoover Street, where it found an individual who was deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It did not release the name of the deceased individual.

Westfield is about 20 miles north of Indianapolis in Hamilton County. The 340 E. Hoover St. property is owned by Club Wag Investments LLC. According to Hamilton County property records, Brett Lemieux is listed as the registered agent for the company.

The City of Westfield provided no additional information and said the investigation is ongoing with assistance from the FBI.

Lemieux said Mister Mancave sold and produced items with fake holograms from some of the largest companies in the sports collectibles industry. 

“It was an addiction,” Lemieux wrote. “How many items can I sell and give a front of a huge company. I did it for years. Purchased millions of dollars of legit items. Mixed it until [name withheld] found the hologram connect. Then I had the bank roll to buy even more. Do more signings. Every one item from a signing turned into 10,000. And it was certified. 95% of the [Patrick] Mahomes and Aaron [Judge] on the market are sold by me. Basically every autograph sold in the last 25 years you should have it looked at. It’s fake and someone sold it to you other than me. I wish I had the exact dollar number of money taken in from this and I’ll go to my grave never knowing. I kept this secret from everyone.”

Lemieux goes on to say that his family and friends had no idea what was going on. The business was run so well that even employees who worked for him didn’t have a clue that the items that they were selling were forgeries.

“The building was seized and I let it happen,” Lemieux wrote on Facebook. “The run is done. There’s over 500-700 MILLION dollars in value of holograms and cards in there. Let that sink in. Every company I’ve touched is now my b****. That was my goal. Once you came at me or spoke my name I went after you and your company directly. Intentionally.”

Lemieux said authorities raided the building housing the memorabilia in Westfield, a suburb of Indianapolis. 

“It was a thrill having every athlete in every sport from every authentication company at your fingertips to produce the signature flawless, authenticate it with flawless bootleg holograms and then sell it for half of what a company does by the 1,000s,” Lemieux wrote. “That’s all I spent my time and my life on. What was the next item to do. Next name. Next flawless signature. 

“I was addicted. It was a rush. I wanted out. But the money was too good. I can make [$]100,000 in a week if I wanted to. The fact that not one dealer that knew what we were doing to the industry, or when I took their exclusive, no one ever picked up a phone to confront me. That baffled me. I told multiple dealers I will ruin you and your exclusive. They knew better.”

“You will see a boom in bad autographs with good stickers hitting the market like a firestorm,” Lemieux wrote. “I sold over 2 million in just holograms to every avenue I could.”

Lemieux ended his Facebook rant by saying: “Enjoy the industry all.”

The "experts" can't!

The following example of 3 Eisenhower signatures are being offered by a well known seller of autographs. The seller obviously does not know a real from a secretarial signauture so depends on the knowledge of a company who claims to authenticate autographs. Chosen for their "expert" opinion was PSADNA.
Of the three examples illustrated above, only one is hand signed by Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Can you tell which is the genuine signature?   About the other two, many dozens of these secretarial signatures have flooded the hobby recently through a New England auction house that sells autographs.  For a mere $12.00 plus $4 shipping both the auction house and the "experts" at PSA/DNA should no longer continue to make these mistakes.  The book is 42 pages in length and is very heavily illustrated.

The information on how to tell a genuine signature of Eisenhower from a secretarial, has been around for several years. How far behind are the so called "experts" at auction houses and the "experts" at autograph authenticating companies in updating their reference material?

Some copies still available, can be obtained by logging onto www.stephenkoschal.com and scroll down to "Reference Books."

No autograph reference library should be without a copy.

In the meantime the person who has possession of the above example needs to return this item for a full refund.  The original person who had paid for the authentication and slabbing should request a refund from the authenticating company.

The answer, which is the genuine signature of Dwight D. Eisenhower, it is the one in the middle.

Thanks Bill K. for alerting me of this crap.

I just checked the PSA website and it was very difficult to find where their autograph experts are listed. There may be a good reason for this. 

Bill came across a Houdini signature slabbed by PSA that is as funny as not getting a refund based on something that was authenticated by a numbskull.

Here's the slabbed signature authenticated by (who knows who) and you'll never findout.

It may appear to some that Houdini was a greater magician than most believe. Can it be believed that Houdini was able to sign this page about 20 years after his death.  One of the autograph  "experts" at PSA believes so!   PSA's website states the following are their experts.

Bill Corcoran, Kevin Keating, John Reznikoff and Tom Poon.  (Who would like to take the credit)?

The not so funny part of this is this page was removed from an autograph album that was manufactured in 1945.    According to the "experts" Houdini, the magician was able to sign this page 20 years after his death.   So much for authenticators thoroughly examining an autograph.  Another example of a collector wasting thier money on an authentication and adding the insult of having it slabbed.

The following article is from People Magazine

https://people.com/3-people-charged-selling-200k-worth-forged-jason-kelce-memorabilia-8779062

Just a month or so ago I reported that the Owner of Beckett plead guilty to a $2 billion dollar insurance scam.  Then the CEO was arrested at Beckett although we don't yet know what he was charged with.  Now it's reported a Beckett authentication so-called, self-appointed expert has yet to turn herself in for Forgery, Theft, and 58 other counts.  Her name is LeeAnn Branco.  She according to news reports authenticated over $200,000 worth of forged Jason Kelce autographs knowingly.  Of course the forger, a Mr. Capone (not sure if he's related to Alphonse Capone or not) got Beckett authentication to issue fake certificates (their real ones for fake memorabilia) as a scheme to fraud customers.  The above link shows the story but it will be published below as well.

Beckett authentication is no different than PSA and JSA in services of giving opinions on memorabilia, for a fairly steep fee giving collectors who don't know much, security that their material may be in fact genuine.  The problem is these authenticators, whose names are rarely known or heard of in the hobby use their power to fail competitors material just based off who sold it.  One authenticator went so far as to state; "If it came from a good guy it's genuine, if it came from a bad guy it's fake."  Another time, this imposter self proclaimed authenticator stated that 5 items were fake.  When he was informed it was a person he knew who sold them he stated; "Oh, he's a good guy, they are real now."  Month's ago a JSA leading authenticator was caught on film stuffing $100,000 worth of memorabilia down his shirt and walking out of a memorabilia store on camera.  His mug shot at the time was shared.  Many wonder if Steve Grad is next in line at Beckett to be arrested.  

The other problem of course is are you buying forgeries from fake "signed in the presence of" or just stickered memorabilia where the third party authenticator is in on the fraud!

About two years ago 1,000 Al Pacino signed autographs flooded the memorabilia market on eBay where a seller was asking $1,000 each.  They had many things signed from Fedora's with feathers in them to photographs to all sorts of stuff.  These items came with COA's from Beckett stating "Signed in the presence of."  This was a $1,000,000 heist as Al Pacino's manager of 27 years was contacted where she stated the signing "Never happened."  She stated Al Pacino would rather pay $2,000,000 to not sign autographs than getting a million for signing them.  She reminded the caller that Pacino is worth over $400 million dollars, is near his mid-80's and would never do such a thing.  When asked if Pacino would pursue this theft of his name she stated he doesn't care about petty things like this.  What's interesting is whoever forged these items claiming Pacino signed them in the presence of Beckett that never happened) used six different exemplars to forge from during this signing.  This fraud has not been investigated because Pacino seems to not care that thieves are stealing his name, forging his signature and Beckett authenticating them as "Signed in the presence of".  Pacino's manager also stated she's been Al's scheduler for decades and this signing just never ever happened!  

Al Pacino can't seem to get a fair shake when it comes to autographs.  Everyone remembers PSA & JSA's so called expert John Reznikoff going into pawn stars authenticating an Albert Ruddy autograph as Al Pacino.  That embarassing blunder can also be found all over the internet or here

https://www.looper.com/339413/what-happened-to-the-godfather-script-featured-on-pawn-stars/

One would think collectors would wake up and stop using services that are intentionally defrauding them at a high cost with forgeries.  A year ago Beckett authentication was involved in another scam authenticating Ian McKellen forgeries supposedly signed in the presence of.  Evidentially, the promoter of this theft hired a homeless man to dress up like Ian McKellen wearing a hat and dark glasses.  Without even asking for proof of this scam, Steve Grad, the authenticator began authenticating all this crap until Ian McKellen stated; 

Steven Koschal, an expert authenticator has been exposing these frauds for years.  Once he stated; "Whose watching the watchers?"  How true these words are today.  The answer is nobody!  But now fortunately after decades of complaints of fraud the authorities are arresting the scoundrels involved in these scams to prevent bad folks from profiting off celebrities and a guilable collecting base.  Good companies can still be found alive and well within the autograph industry.  To make sure your dealing with someone honest and credible first make sure they don't offer third party authentication stickers on their items for if they do, not only do you not know who passed it but neither does the seller outside of a company name and we all know companies don't authenticate autographs, people do!  To find a list of honest and credible folks who still guarantee what they sell they should be a member of PADAH.  Stephenkoschal.com has a list of these members on his website and on this website.  Another honest dealer, Todd Mueller actually sued these firms.  When submitting autographs, these firms always ask; "Where did you get it?"  Name one of their friends and it will pass, name one of their enemies on their hit list for not supporting fraud and it fails.  Tell them you got it from a firm known to use them and it will automatically pass.  Mafia tactics for sure but if you want to play the game lie where it came from as they lie about their opinion.  Now your on an even playing field for things sold by their enemies will always pass if they don't biasly know the source.

As more arrests come to light in the near future, and stickers become a sign of something fishy collectors will be pissed they were mislead by these folks, cheated, ripped off, stolen from, or buying outright forgeries with the authentication company involved.  Other hobby blogs that turn the other way and don't write about these blatant criminal acts are involved or consider these criminals and their acts as friends.  They also cannot be trusted.  To find out hobby news turn here or just google it.  These type of crimes affect everyone and make autograph collecting hazordous unless dealing with an honest dealer who doesn't support these firms who also guarantee everything they sell forever.  Obviously it would be silly to allow a company whose authenticators are arrested and charged with 60 crimes to fail a competitors items and then have that honest dealer give a refund based off crooked companies promoting, forging, stealing and frauding the hobby.  Unfortunately this was all predictible.  This sticker authentication scam is a "Money grab" where anything can be authenticated by them for a fee or simply by resubmitting the items for eventually nothing will fail.

People magazine article below

Jason Kelce$200k Memorabilia Scam Uncovered... 3 Charged W/ Felonies 

Published January 23, 2025 7:44 AM PST

Jason Kelce's signature is worth a pretty penny ... and officials say three people tried to capitalize, allegedly selling $200K worth of fake memorabilia, before they were busted!

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office (PA) announced Thursday that Robert Capone, LeeAnn Branco, and Joseph Parenti are facing 60 felony counts, ranging from theft to forgery, for their alleged roles in the scheme.

Capone, 51, Branco, 43, and Parenti, 39, are accused of lying about the authenticity and provenance of more than 1,100 items, including helmets, jerseys, photos and footballs, advertising the items on a website as real-deal signed Kelce merch.

Authorities say Branco, in June 2024, attended an autograph signing in Pennsylvania where Kelce was present, taking a photo with the Pro Bowl lineman "in order to validate her in-the-presence authentication of the forged memorabilia that was never actually signed by Kelce."

Ultimately, officials say the fake items were sold through two sports memorabilia businesses owned by Capone and Parenti, with Branco, an employee of Beckett Authentication Services, providing false verification.

After items were sold, authorities say a local police department was tipped off that something was wrong ... and they began investigating.

Jason Kelce On The FieldLaunch GalleryGetty

Capone was arraigned on Wednesday ... and released on $100k bail. He has a hearing scheduled in early February.

As for the other two, they have not yet turned themselves in (though that's expected soon) ... where they will then also be arraigned in a PA court.

3 People Charged with Selling $200,000 Worth of Forged Jason Kelce Memorabilia

Robert Capone, 51, of Philadelphia; LeeAnn Branco, 43, of Bristol, R.I.; and Joseph Parenti, 39, Cranston, R.I., were charged with multiple counts of forgery and theft related to selling the items

By 

Anna Lazarus Caplan

It all comes down to this.  Don't trust someone who has proven they are not worthy of such.  How many more arrests need to be made before the hobby wakes up????  Folks are now stating counterfeit stickers of Beckett are more realiable than genuine stickers from Beckett.

The CEO of Beckett has plead guilty to fraud.  It's too early to know what he did, how he did it or if Steve Grad who has frauded thousands out of fake authentication impersonating an authenticator is involved.  We will keep you informed.  It's our understanding that the man behind Beckett is currently in jail which really isn't shocking to anyone who knows how the authentication racket's work within the hobby.

Steve Grad is notorious for flunking autograph authentication.  He went from selling forgeries to authenticating forgeries, failing genuine autographs and even authenticating the wrong people.  One of the biggest TV shows ever was "The Honeymooners."  Those who know autographs know the main cast of Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Joyce Randolph and Audrey Meadows.  Here a collector either tricked Steve Grad or was also confused.  In a frame instead of Jackie Gleason, the comic, superstar from The Honeymooners, superstar from The Jackie Gleason show, and star of Smokey and the Bandit was instead the tough bald guy, James Gleason.  No resemblance, no work in any of Jackie Gleason's shows, bald with absolutely no resemblance.  In fact he died nearly 30 years before Jackie Gleason.  This is so stupid, only Grad could do this.  Wrong person Steve!  Yet his letter of authenticity reads in part; "Multiple Factors" meaning he used more than one factor to determine that James Gleason is instead Jackie Gleason.  Even a first grader can tell the difference but for an insane fee Steve Grad can make this autograph whatever he wants it to be.  How stupid is this?  It's so common nobody should use the opinion of Steve Grad as any sort of good opinion when he's this BAD!

Good job Steve Grad!  Way to get one closer then the last one you misidentified.  Maybe next time we can have a Brady Bunch cast photo authenticated as Danny DeVito instead of Robert Reed.  Nobody will notice!

Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication screws up again.  He adds his signature to another worthless C.O.A.  

in this case he signed his name on behalf of the Beckett Authentication "Experts."  As always, one will never know who made the decision on the team that decided the autograph was not genuine.  The reasons they claim were the deciding factor are the exact same reasons why a person would clim was wrong on a flat piece of paper or in a book.

However, this is about a signature of Jimmy Carter on a golf ball.

Matter of fact, this is an in person signature signed by Jimmy Carter in my presence.

SEE Grad's turn down letter below.

It is believed that the only reason this signature of Jimmy Carter was turned down is because it originated from a dealer on BECKETT'S BLACK LIST.  We are aware of sellers of autographs that are placed on authentiicating companies black lists from a whistle blower who still works for one of the high profile authenticating companies.  

I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK THIS INDIVIDUAL FOR THIER KIND WORDS AND ALSO FOR RECOMMENDING COLLECTORS TO ME.

I am also aware of other dealers, sellers of autographs and auction houses that are experiencing the same mafia type tactics. Many of them are household names in tha autograph industry.  I am aware of at least two auction houses  that I would call "threatened" by authenticating companies becaue the auction house refuses to have their items authenticated in advance of the auction catalog. THEY ARE TOLD IF YOU DON'T USE ABC TYPE AUTHENTICTING SERVICE, ANY ITEMS SUBMITTED FROM YOUR AUCTION WILL BE TURNED DOWN.

Proof of such, simply read the following email from a  well known and established autograph auction house to Steve Grad of Beckett.

Another major autograph auction house in Florida experienced the same.

You cannnot imagine how many turndown COA's exist that unfortunate collectors paid for and now believe they are stuck with a bad autograph. How corrupt are these authenticating services?

For reasons of so many mis-authenticaed COA's one dealer placed ads in a high profile sports magazine. SEE BELOW-

The response to the above ad was phenominal. Collectors who though they had an autograph that was not authentic was able to sell their now unwanted items.

What has helped avoid the problem of mis-authenticated autographs is that 70 PLUS members of PADAH (Preferred Autograph Dealers and Aution Houses) do not have to refund for an autograph that was mis-authenticated by one of the high profile companies who "claim" to authenticate autographs. Some of these so-called authenticating companies can charge you $500 and upward to look at your autograph. Try finding out who at the authenticating company made the mistake. That's impossible.  They can tell you they can't give you their name for the authenticators own protection. In a recent case, they claim the reference number for the authentication doesn't exist.

Having your items authenticated by high profile authenticating companies, do so at your own risk and peril.

You can avoid this insanity by purchasing from a legitimate professional autograph dealer and auction house. Always remember, a sales receipt, filled out properly is your only legal guarantee.

Just about any reference book on autographs will tell you that presidential land grants were hand signed by the president of the United States.  This practice stopped after 1834 as there exists only a half dozen land grants which bear the personal signature of the President. There are very few exceptions shortly after 1834, but that is the general rule.

Recently on eBay, a Rutherford B. Hayes Land Grant is offered for sale and listed as rare. After President Jackson there have been twelve presidents up until the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes.How sad it is that this Hayes Land Grant has been authenticated by BECKETT. 

One of a plehora of reasons why anyone with an autograph "authenticated" by one of the three high profile so-callled authenticating copanies should get a second opinion. At a later date, so many failed items have been proven genuine  and visa versa.

There is simply no excuse for this incompetence except for ignorance. Look at this atrocious mistake below and understand the lack of knowledge of many who authenticate autographs.

This was yet another year that Steve Grad would not accept an inviation to speak about authenticating in front of a group of collectors. Yet, this sophomoric example is just one more illustration why 70+ worldwide members of PADAH do not have to issue a refund based on a COA (guess)  from Beckett. 

Herman Darvick during the 1990's flooded the market with with knowingly or un-knowingly forged items signed by the popular artist Salvador Dali. Most items were high quality prints extracted from copies of books authored by Dali  Many of these type items were sold at UACC shows in New York by a Connecticut seller of autographs..

Thirty years later these Dali prints are still being offered on a regular basis on ebay, and come with a COA from Herman Darvick.

I knew Salvador Dali quite well.  For several years, I spent much time with him when he spent part of the year in his New York City apartment. We spent many times in this apartment having private signings and walking the streets of New York, especially Times Square where many of the stores that sold collectible imports would have claimed limited edition Dali lithographs.  Actually they were imitation works of art painted by art students. Dali would bang on the windows with his cane screaming "this is not my work."

I got to know Dali's signature on his best and worst days.  Many limited edition Dali prints ended up in auctions on most cruise vessels. I discovered that all the signatures of Dali on these prints were forgeries.  Even after seeing so many of them on the dfferent ships, all signatures of Dali were almost identical, all signed by the same hand. After notifying the FBI amazingly these prints were removed from the auctions.  No matter which cruise vessel company you were on, all of the Dali prints were signed by the same person. Not one was personally signed by the artist.

My last few trips on cruise lines, I could not find an example of Dali being offered on their auctions.

Just taking a peak on eBay this week I found two Dali forgeries each coming with a COA from Herman Darvick.