Posted By:
Robert_LifsonDear David,
There is nothing to feel terrible about. I have no problem with you bringing a potential problem photograph to our attention – I encourage it. You did not make an error in mentioning the issue. From my perspective, I only had a problem when you wouldn’t tell us what the item was for us to potentially address. This is very different issue. I certainly do not agree with you that you are “not a right fit for the baseball hobby.” On the contrary, I value your opinion greatly. I even use your book on photography for reference. It is precisely because I value your opinion that I went to such great lengths to find out from you what lot should be more closely examined. I phoned. I emailed. I did everything but show up at your door. Do these sound like the actions of someone that does not value your opinion? To me, it is exactly the opposite. With reference to compensation for your consulting services, I did not (and still do not) interpret anything you said to even imply that you were asking for any compensation. On the contrary, I actually interpreted your statement that you have received in your career a total compensation of zero dollars for giving your opinion about photographs to suggest that you did not ask for or want compensation for this. I have taken the photograph in question out and upon close examination find some qualities about it very unusual and interesting. David, you may very well be 100% right on with reference to this photo. It may be a problem. I will want someone more knowledgeable than I about photography to reexamine this photograph. There is no one I would prefer to do this than you – David Rudd, and it would be an honor for Robert Edward Auctions to be the first to pay you for the service of rendering an opinion on a baseball photograph. May I have your permission to send the photograph to you by Federal Express along with a check for your services and a return airbill? (and I know that being the gentleman you are, if you agree, you would say that it is OK to send the photo but only if I do not send a check – and to that I must respectfully cut you off at the pass and say that I insist, because it is important to me, and I do need you to accommodate me on that small issue). If you are for any reason not willing to look at the photograph, I will send the photo to another expert to examine. There are unusual qualities about the photo, which combined with your pointing it out as a potential forgery, make it essential for us to have this item readdressed in person by a photography specialist. In either case, I thank you for making us aware of which item might be a problem, it is greatly appreciated. Your concern regarding this item will probably prove to be well founded, and I hope you will give me permission to send it to you for your in-person opinion, which I value greatly.
My best to you and the board,
Sincerely,
Robert Lifson