spence authentication knowledge or reputation

[Rich Klein]

But just to make a different point about autographs --

Back back in the day, one of the guys I used to work with at Beckett got an autograph from Frank (Big Hurt) Thomas in spring training in 1990. He got that autograph in person and I have no doubt that his is 100 percent authentic.

Yet, even he realized that said autograph would probably never pass authentication becuase the signature is so much clearer than the signature he had just a year or so later when he became a major league star.

The point is,... sigs do change --- and while it is more expensive -- sometimes in the show situation -- having the autograph autheticated at that point may save hassles later, especially is a signature changes over time (usually with people who are becoming more famous or having health issues)

Regards
Rich

[Mr. Zipper]

This is an unfortunate scenario that has probably played out many times. My sense is that certain heavily forged autographs are probably prone to getting the thumbs down if there is the slightest atypical characteristic.

The flip side of this scenario is that if JSA or PSA approves an item that looks the least bit fishy, certain attack sites will plaster it all over the front page and message boards screaming how incompetent they are and urge people to report them to the FBI.

Sometimes it's damned if you do, damned if you don't.

I really do understand how some experienced hobbyists resent third party authenticators and how they seemingly swooped in and became the be all and end all. But I think the anger should really be reserved for the forging scum. They are the ones who created the [perceived] need for third party authenticators.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

This is an unfortunate scenario that has probably played out many times. My sense is that certain heavily forged autographs are probably prone to getting the thumbs down if there is the slightest atypical characteristic.
The flip side of this scenario is that if JSA or PSA approves an item that looks the least bit fishy, certain attack sites will plaster it all over the front page and message boards screaming how incompetent they are and urge people to report them to the FBI.
Sometimes it's damned if you do, damned if you don't. I really do understand how some experienced hobbyists resent third party authenticators and how they seemingly swooped in and became the be all and end all. But I think the anger should really be reserved for the forging scum. They are the ones who created the [perceived] need for third party authenticators.

+1