Ruth opinion please

[theshleps]

This is a Swann auction item which is pretty reputable. I asked them if they would return it if it failed PSA or JSA.They said that those two don't give detailed enough analysis that would stand up in court and they would need better authenticators who if they thought it wasn't authentic- they a refund would be issued.
When I read further it said that the back had a 1982 Babe Ruth US postage stamp that was cancelled. Imagine sending it through the deal. That was the deal breaker that made me decide not to bid. Thanks everyone

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by theshleps

This is a Swann auction item which is pretty reputable. I asked them if they would return it if it failed PSA or JSA.They said that those two don't give detailed enough analysis that would stand up in court and they would need better authenticators who if they thought it wasn't authentic- they a refund would be issued.
When I read further it said that the back had a 1982 Babe Ruth US postage stamp that was cancelled. Imagine sending it through the deal. That was the deal breaker that made me decide not to bid. Thanks everyone

Wow

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by theshleps

This is a Swann auction item which is pretty reputable. I asked them if they would return it if it failed PSA or JSA.They said that those two don't give detailed enough analysis that would stand up in court and they would need better authenticators who if they thought it wasn't authentic- they a refund would be issued.

That is surprising. And it sounds uncomfortably close the same language used by crooked sellers who use bogus "forensic" authenticators to rubber stamp their fakes.

I am NOT stating that Swann is in this category, but they should re-think how this policy appears.

[JeremyW]

I miss the days when Jim Stinson was posting.

[JeremyW]

Evidently, some thought it was good. It sold for $12,000. w/o the juice.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by theshleps

This is a Swann auction item which is pretty reputable. I asked them if they would return it if it failed PSA or JSA.They said that those two don't give detailed enough analysis that would stand up in court and they would need better authenticators who if they thought it wasn't authentic- they a refund would be issued.
When I read further it said that the back had a 1982 Babe Ruth US postage stamp that was cancelled. Imagine sending it through the deal. That was the deal breaker that made me decide not to bid. Thanks everyone

There are some very good Ruth forgers out there - Swann's comments about PSA and JSA would be enough for me to avoid this piece. I have no problem with the lack of wear on the signature, as the piece is signed where it should be signed, and there is no wear to the card in that area. Edge wear not affecting a signature in the middle of the item seems normal enough.

[packs]

Yes but there was only, what, just over 20 years from the exhibit's issue and Ruth's death? In that time the exhibit suffered considerable wear to itself but the signature was maintained in pristine condition in a place that suffered no wear at all. If you ask me, it's more likely that the card was signed well after it was finished being worn. It's possible Ruth signed it after the exhibit encountered all that damage, it's just unlikely.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by packs

Yes but there was only, what, just over 20 years from the exhibit's issue and Ruth's death? In that time the exhibit suffered considerable wear to itself but the signature was maintained in pristine condition in a place that suffered no wear at all. If you ask me, it's more likely that the card was signed well after it was finished being worn. It's possible Ruth signed it after the exhibit encountered all that damage, it's just unlikely.

I have no problem with the lack of wear on the signature, as the piece is signed where it should be signed, and there is no wear to the card in that area. Edge wear not affecting a signature in the middle of the item seems normal enough.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by theshleps

This is a Swann auction item which is pretty reputable. I asked them if they would return it if it failed PSA or JSA.They said that those two don't give detailed enough analysis that would stand up in court and they would need better authenticators who if they thought it wasn't authentic- they a refund would be issued.
When I read further it said that the back had a 1982 Babe Ruth US postage stamp that was cancelled. Imagine sending it through the deal. That was the deal breaker that made me decide not to bid. Thanks everyone

The Ruth stamp was issued July 6, 1983.

If the cancel is a first day cancel it didn't have to go through the mail. If you attend the ceremony they will usually cancel the stamp on whatever item you put it on, and hand it back to you. Having it go through the mail is optional. (At some point in the past it wasn't, but that was well before the 80's)
So that shouldn't be the deal breaker it seems.
Now if they have that stamp and a 1982 cancel.............there's a whole lot wrong.