Thoughts on buying *probable* stolen autographs
 

Heritage last night sold some tough autographs last night that probably came from the Hermann archive. Honestly, I started bidding pretty high on the Burkett and Kelly autographs. However, at a certain point, I couldn't bring myself to bid on something too high that wasn't *clean*-even though the HOF and FBI have both dropped investigating this issue. So would you bid on something knowingly stolen if the price was right?

It's how some major auction houses have stayed in business

No.

I think Leon's Boston Peck and Snyder card that was taken from the NYPL would be a good example of why you don't buy such items. I am not saying Leon knowingly bought a stolen item, but he was left holding the bag when it came back around. Knowing the item was stolen, pending investigation or not, can leave you "holding the bag" when/if restitution ever is sought.

Correct answer Leon. We cannot expect this hobby to ever have integrity unless we buy and trade with integrity.