Opinions on this Babe Ruth auto

[David Atkatz]

Just to put the record straight, Bernie, nothing I said--absolutely nothing--was "personal." I simply--and sarcastically, because that's just me--questioned your autograph expertise, based on what you yourself previously posted.

And I still do. My PhD in physics has absolutely no bearing upon my autograph expertise--or lack thereof. Neither does your PhD. My considerable mathematical training and experience has no bearing--none whatever--upon my autograph expertise--or lack thereof. Neither does yours. And to imply that it does is wrong--at best.

if I do possess any special knowledge in this area--and I will let my colleagues be the judges--it has to do with the fact that I have been collecting historical autographs, and vintage Yankee autographs, since 1961. I have had scores of Ruths and Gehrigs pass through my hands, as the only way an academic physicist can afford this hobby is by dealing autographs as well. This is not to say that I haven't made mistakes--serious mistakes. I certainly have. But when I have, I believe I have learned from them.

And finally, I don't know where "my place" is, nor where it should be. But I do know that you haven't "put me back in it."

Best of luck with your collecting.

[Runscott]

Also Bernie, I have no desire whatsoever to alienate you. Some day when a rich relative passes and leaves you a nice inheritance, I'm hoping to sell you this at an inflated price:

[David Atkatz]

Bernie Silverman, from NYC. A landsman. I love it!

[HRBAKER]

PSA/DNA is not the final authority, they are simply the monetizers.........

[Pickles]

Get a PSA/JSA on it and we can start discussing price

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Get a PSA/JSA on it and we can start discussing price

I forgot, but you just reminded me - it comes with a full JSA letter and was pre-certified by PSA. Cha-ching, cha-ching.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Just to put the record straight, Bernie, nothing I said--absolutely nothing--was "personal." I simply--and sarcastically, because that's just me--questioned your autograph expertise, based on what you yourself previously posted.

And I still do. My PhD in physics has absolutely no bearing upon my autograph expertise--or lack thereof. Neither does your PhD. My considerable mathematical training and experience has no bearing--none whatever--upon my autograph expertise--or lack thereof. Neither does yours. And to imply that it does is wrong--at best.

if I do possess any special knowledge in this area--and I will let my colleagues be the judges--it has to do with the fact that I have been collecting historical autographs, and vintage Yankee autographs, since 1961. I have had scores of Ruths and Gehrigs pass through my hands, as the only way an academic physicist can afford this hobby is by dealing autographs as well. This is not to say that I haven't made mistakes--serious mistakes. I certainly have. But when I have, I believe I have learned from them.

And finally, I don't know where "my place" is, nor where it should be. But I do know that you haven't "put me back in it."

Best of luck with your collecting.

Not sure you get it. I was comparing 2 autographs, one of which there is a preponderance of evidence it is legitimate. I identified similarities and differences. You challenged (and still do) my expertise. I am not an "expert" but I am capable of reaching my own conclusions. You felt the need to "attack" when reading a statement which was factual, not subjective, and, I took the action I thought was appropriate. I do not need to know your CV to respect your opinions, just want to be exposed to them. If you disagree with mine, challenge the point, not the person.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by Pickles

If you disagree with mine, challenge the point, not the person.

Whether I agreed or disagreed with your "point" is totally irrelevant. I objected to the hubris you displayed in making it at all.

I still do.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Whether I agreed or disagreed with your "point" is totally irrelevant. I objected to the hubris you displayed in making it at all.

I still do.

It is a shame that you feel that way. I do not see us ever having an intelligent conversation, so let's just drop it and move on.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Pickles

It is a shame that you feel that way. I do not see us ever having an intelligent conversation, so let's just drop it and move on.

There are really only a couple of people who participate here and are incapable of having intelligent conversations. It's a select club that I'm sure you are incapable of qualifying for.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by Runscott

There are really only a couple of people who participate here and are incapable of having intelligent conversations. It's a select club that I'm sure you are incapable of qualifying for.

So I am incapable of qualifying for a club whose criteria is to be unable to have an intelligent conversation?

[Leon]

All I am going to say is that if "Pickles" (hi Bernie) wants to continue to have spirited debate then he is going to need to have his full name in posts, per the board rules. I believe everyone should know who they are sparring with. This goes for all members, all of the time. thanks

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Pickles

So I am incapable of qualifying for a club whose criteria is to be unable to have an intelligent conversation?

I hope so.

[Klrdds]

The issue Bernie here is that we are all collectors and have many things in common and that includes a love of baseball and collecting its memorabilia and history, in this particular case it is autographs. Regardless of our academic backgrounds, our professions, our niche in autographs , and our ability to spend and acquire on a budget or without spending limits we all have been taken advantage of, overpaid for items, been screwed by 3rd party TPAs ( including PSA and JSA) and auction houses and at times by dealers. From these experiences , whether we have been collecting for 40+ years like me , or just entered this great and , at times cruel and unforgiving hobby, we all learn from these experiences , gain great knowledge , form friendships, and yes, develop an ego and attitude. It just comes with the territory.
The attitude we develop can influence a lot of things on this forum.
People here can be skeptical, but above all I find them to alarmingly honest with no financial gain expected for their opinions, which can for the post part be absolutely correct....regardless of what TPAs or money say.
But if you make an assertion please be ready to back it up.
So Pickles please address the issue of the Ruth ball, and back it up with substance not a mathematical formula and statistics because with TPAs there is no logical formula. Logic gets thrown out the window. Either it is good or it is not but back it up with facts not statistics.

Now Tom I would get the ball certed , as much as I hate to say it. Because if you are "trying to get things in order" for your family a COA will help them greatly in reselling or consigning the item, especially if they are not interested in your collection or lack the knowledge to judge authenticity and value. Although I never bought anything from "Broadway" Rick I remember his name and his SCD ads well. Best of luck with your decision.