Authenticity Question: Mantle, Dimaggio, Williams.
 

Hello all,

I don't spend too much time posting and I am not a big-time collector. I'm really not into the memorabilia side and I just got into vintage cards about 2.5 years ago.

Most of my autographs came from packs of modern cards, Steiner Sports, or in person. However, I do have a dozen or so items from my childhood/teenage years that were purchased from various dealers - some with COA's and some without. (I was young and didn't know any better!)

I have three signed 8X10 photos that my mother purchased for me when I was young. They were purchased from "Auto Central" in California, each for $75 (remember, this was years ago.) They are hanging up on the wall and I have always wondered if they were "really real." After doing some research, I could not find this place (I'm sure they're out of business.) There is a place in California called "Autograph Central," but they deal in music, movies, etc. What I was able to come up with was 1) Mantle, Dimaggio, and Williams are some of the most counterfeited signatures out there and 2) a lot of crap came out of California. Of course, this had me concerned.

I have included scans of the three autographs and a sample of one of the "COA's." I was wondering if anyone could offer their opinions on these signatures and/or if it is even worth it to send to JSA?

The Dimaggio scared me, as it didn't look like many signatures I've seen of his. After browsing some old auction catalogues, I did see a very similar Dimaggio in a Clean Sweep auction. Perhaps he had different styles or from different time periods? For example, I've met former NHL player, Pierre Turgeon, a few times and he had two totally different signatures. They're both real - I got them in person! Perhaps that is the case with other athletes as well.

I really don't have much knowledge on the topic - and that is why I usually stay away from the signed memorabilia. I just hope this isn't one of those cases where a family member was trying to do something really nice and, as it turns out, was suckered into purchasing counterfeit items.

If anyone would like to offer their opinions on the items, thinks I should send them to JSA, or even has information on this dealer, it would greatly be appreciated.

Thank you.

Todd

I just noticed the thread below this - are these photos from the same crooks? lol

The first thing that came to mind when I was "Auto Central", was a used car dealer...

Anyways, I'm no expert, but I really don't like the Mantle.. I really wouldn't know any better when it comes to Joe D., so I can't really comment on that one..

Also, how exactly does something "meet all standards of authenticity"?

DiMaggio is horrible, too...

Ditto. Horrific.

Doing what I do, I read a lot of feedback and I always read a ton of feedback which reads "My husband will love this," or "My son will enjoy this for their birthday." It's very sad because the buyers that leave feedback like that are the soccer moms, girlfriends and wives who look at price and nothing else. They think that because it's on Ebay and comes with a piece of paper called a "COA" that it must be authentic.

Very sad.

That is one of the worst Dimaggio's Ive EVER SEEN. wow.:eek:

+1 to this. my family knows i collect old cards etc. i tell them don't surprise me with anything hobby-related...always ask me first!

No kidding- yikes!! :eek:

Both are bad.

Thanks guys!

I had a feeling that was the case!

It was many years ago - my mother was only trying to get me something nice. I informerd her that the pictures she got me when I was little were fakes. lol She didn't seem as upset as I was!

I have taken all 3 off the wall and tossed them in a box. I replaced the wall space with framed prints of NY Newsday covers from each of the Islanders Stanley cup wins. lol

If only I know who it was who sold them!

Thanks again,

Todd

Time to call Auto Central -they guaranteed the item............ unfortunately they are probably out of business...... but worth the effort to call.

Good luck with that. Even if they are still in business and by some chance upstanding enough to honor their COA's, there is nothing on the COA (that I can see) to tie it to that particular signed photo. Way too easy for them to make the "that's not the same photo I authenticated, you must have switched it" play.

A simple google search turned up used car lots in Glendale and Encino..