Posted By:
davidcyclebackI was simply pointing out that the immediate seller is part of the provenance, and if buyers don't give a hoot about who they buy from ("Rob Lifson versus eBayer with 03 feeback, what's the difference? The card's got a Mr. X label"), that's a part of the provenance they will later regret not taking more seriously.
The Lifson provenance is more that a historical footnote, but an indication to the buyer and future buyers that the card and holder was inspected and approved by the well known and respected card expert. Knowing this, many collectors will prefer Lifson provenance on an expensive card over Cal Ripken Jr provenance. "Ripken was a great player and I'd like his autograph, but I'd prefer knowing my 1869 Peck & Snyder Reds was checked out by Lifson."
Plus, of course, Lifson went to Wharton and Ripken didn't (50/50 chance Rob's reading this thread).