[bigfish]

Originally Posted by topcat61

I'm curious to know if any fellow net54 members have experienced similar issues dealing with SGC?

While attending Boston's 2018 Shriners Show, I went to SGC to get this 1921 National Caramel card that once belonged to Buck Barker authenticated. I had several letters of Buck's with me for verification. The kid next to me said that that was an option that could be done. However, the conversation went down hill from there because the guy next to him told me the exact opposite -that they don't authenticate cards like this -despite corroborating evidence like other known cards and a letter Barker wrote to Walt Corson for comparison. The guy told me that they don't do handwriting analysis and that any corroborating material has to come from family members. Say what? Carter's card came directly from Doug Allen.

- I understand their point. There in the business or giving cards a numerical grade. Cutting through all of red tape to drill down to verify it’s from a particular person is probably not what they want to spend their time on. Even with the letters you’re second down in the chain. Looks like Doug Allen dealt directly with the family is was/is easily verifiable.


I then showed him a card they graded from Lionel Carter's collection and asked him when that card was sent in (2-15-07). I asked him who sent it in and he said it was an auction house, that it wasn't Carter himself. They refused to tell me who the auction house was but I already knew. It was Bill Mastro and Doug Allen, and there is video of that by both men on youtube...so why at this point be evasive?

- not sure it’s their practice to disclose who submitted cards. Alittle bit of a confidentially issue. Even though it appears clear. Why ask the question?

Is SGC favoring auction houses over dealers and schmucks such as myself (a question SGC refused to answer when I asked)? How much money is going in to the these grading companies from the auction houses in order to receive preferential treatment?

- I would say no. As stated above Doug dealt directly with the family. Easy to verify.

If I was at an auction house, then they would grade it? The grader at SGC said I needed evidence and I showed it to him and he still refused. Is the auction house's expertise any better or worse than mine? This sounds like it's pay to play and the auction houses send these grading companies a shit load of money. How is this a level playing field? I left so bullshit that I ate not one, but two of those lousy hotdogs at the concession stand!

- I don’t see it as pay for play. Doug dealt directly with the family. You did not. Now if you dealt directly with the family on one of the largest collections ever assembled, I believe you would have received the same treatment as Doug. Your’re second fiddle here and I see why SGC doesn’t want to get into the business of playing Sherlock Holmes to verify letters from families of famous people. I am sure they are jammed with just grading cards.

What do you all say about this? Thanks -Ryan

Just a neutral opinion from someone who has no skin in the game.