Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales - Page 6

Archive · #**251** 02-15-2008, 01:49 PM

Posted By: Bill PanagopulosI spy with my little eye... ...an eleven year old 1099 - might be for thousands of dollars in non-salary teaching fees in forensic document examination, might be for picking up litter; ...an undated GWU "Faculty" card. No course nor department noted. Neither document addresses Mr. Morales' qualifications to authenticate autographs or signed documents. Neither document shows what education he may have received in that field. On Mr. Morales' website he states: "I received the majority of my forensic science training in the U.S. Secret Service's Forensic Services Division's Questioned Document Section. I worked in all areas of handwriting [sic] and counterfeiting [sic]". also: "My Forensic Science graduate studies included concentration in questioned documents" These are the only qualifications on his sight that I personally believe directly pertain to an ability to distinguish forgeries. So, Mr. Morales, instead of posting images of old 1099's and ID cards, why not simply publish concrete evidence substantiating your educational credentials? Did the Secret Service have a curriculum for "Questioned Documents"? What was it? How many hours? What did you study? What "areas of handwriting"? Did you receive a certificate following course completion? What does "concentration in questioned documents" mean? It appears that GWU offers only one course in "Questioned Documents" analysis. Did you take extra courses elsewhere as part of your master's degree? Did GWU offer courses that we aren't aware of? What was in those courses? Please elaborate. All that is being asked here, simply put, and to corruptly paraphrase the late Sen. Howard Baker, is: "What did you learn, and when did you learn it?" This is not difficult. PS to all: Don't forget the roses today!

Archive · #**252** 02-15-2008, 02:36 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaWho cares what credentials Morales has the obvious question is why don't his items get the same kind of prices as those sold in other auction venues?

Archive · #**253** 02-15-2008, 02:57 PM

Posted By: BobThis thread is absolutely fascinating and I honestly think that while Mr. Jaffe has had issues in the past, he has redeemed himself with the HBO special and now this. A few general comments as I skim by most of this in hopes of catching up later. First off, if you really want to compare prices, simply go to the prices realized section of the last CCSA auction to see some rather outstanding prices from the previous month. Next, there are a lot of great autograph dealers that simply shun the idea of giving an opinion. I think in politics, it's called Nimby-ism's, or Not In My Back Yard-isms. Let the other worry about it. Autograph fraud effects us all. I would like to see people more vocal as part of the success of the pre-war market comes because autograph fraud has really tuned people off and people have discovered a brand new love in vintage cards. I know four prominent collectors who quit buying autographs. Autograph sellers, it seriously effects us all. Sellers, take a stand. Shelly, I think you have to interview Sports Collector's Digest. Call up Jeff Pozorski or T.S O'Connell. I think some serious questions have to be directed their way, especially since it doesn't look like STAT or Morales are coming in anytime soon. Keep digging though. Post the interview here on the Forum. Keep up the good work! Bob

Archive · #**254** 02-15-2008, 03:38 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeI have tried many times. Rocky tried for me at least a dozen times and they refused. Their income depends on CC. Look who does there auction review,none other than Ted Taylor. The same Ted Taylor who authenticates for CC and tells you how great they are. If this is not a conflict of interest what is?

Archive · #**255** 02-15-2008, 03:46 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeDan, in answer to your question,its painfully obvious.Both STAT and Morales are totally incompetent. The only people that trust them are the people that are blind. PS. Still waiting for Morales and STAT to reply.

Archive · #**256** 02-15-2008, 03:56 PM

Posted By: Dan BrettaShelly, I know the answer to my question but I want Morales to come in here and answer it. Why isn't he buying up EVERYTHING in the CC auctions and consigning the stuff to Mastro? He'd be a dadgummed millionaire!!!!! <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive · #**257** 02-15-2008, 04:05 PM

Posted By: ....

Archive · #**258** 02-15-2008, 04:12 PM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonFrom the last CC auction. Damn I missed some bargains, I gotta stay on top of this stuff. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> Jack Chesbro single-signed "Stat Authentic" baseball. 2095 Cap Anson Autographed Stat Authentic Certified Baseball. 3356 Dan Brouthers single-signed "Stat Authentic" baseball. 2084 Ty Cobb Autographed Stat Authentic Certified Baseball Bat! 1000 Christy Mathewson hand signed "Stat Authentic" hardback book. 1448 "Beatles" hand signed/custom framed & "Stat" certified record album. 763 Walter Johnson Senators single-signed "Morales" baseball. 866 JFK hand signed "Stat Authentic" photograph. 876 Ronald Reagan hand signed 1940's Hollywood photo. 58 Homerun" Baker A's single-signed "Morales" baseball. 1155 Mel Ott Autographed Forensically CERTIFIED Vintage Baseball Jersey. 239 Tris Speaker single-signed "Morales" baseball. 1647 These prices are 10-30% of the market. They do sell. Unfortunately that still proves that PT Barnum was right. -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**259** 02-15-2008, 04:22 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeFor all you card dealers. Where can you always find a mint 10 pro graded card? Who ever is first in answering this question, I will pay pal them $5.

Archive · #**260** 02-15-2008, 04:26 PM

Posted By: Mark SteinbergThis is indeed a fascinating (and very necessary) thread, but so much of it is overkill. Morales could possess the best credentials in the world, and it would not matter. It doesn't even matter whether his GWU ID Card and 1099 Form are real or fake... All that matters is that the junk passing Morales' authentication (and featured in Coach's Corner Auctions) is bogus. Why are there never any early Team-signed balls featured? Where are the 1920s Yankee team balls and the 1930s Cubs Balls? Too many different names to attempt? Why is it that only single-signed pieces and otherwise unattainable names like Chesbro, Brouthers and Anson are featured? Which type is easier to forge- a team ball or a single-signed ball or cut? It amazes me how their incredible "consignor" base continually produces only amazing single-signed pieces. Obviously, if Morales could consign to Mastro (as Dan is suggesting), he would make millions. But we all know that no reputable dealer would accept any of this garbage on consignment. The obvious fakes (and corresponding conflicts of interest with SCD) provide more than circumstantial evidence of fraudulent/criminal activity.

Archive · #**261** 02-15-2008, 04:46 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeThis is what a COA from STAT really means . Verification - STAT Authentic, an LLC registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, renders a service in expressing our opinion and knowledge, however, STAT Authentic LLC and its partners/employees does not guarantee the accuracy of our opinion expressed regarding any items submitted for authentication. We assume no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage allegedly sustained as a result of any opinion rendered. STAT Authentic LLC is in no way liable for personal loss due to damage alteration or any other reason once this item leaves our possession. Our seal, signatures, registration number and processing date must appear on this certificate for it to be valid. This really makes you comfortable.Does anyone out there have a Morales cert.

Archive · #**262** 02-15-2008, 05:13 PM

Posted By: leonThat "cert" looks more like a disclaimer to me....

Archive · #**263** 02-15-2008, 05:55 PM

Posted By: Josh SiegelIt is so obvious that SCD and CC/Stat are doing a lot of business together. SCD's website now has a blog area. Would it be rude to ask these same questions on SCD's website. Maybe an editor can respond to some of the questions. Maybe a boycot against auction houses who advertise in SCD a certain month. A month like May that is typically a busy auction month. I know this very important topic was started in a card area, but the bad taste affects the hobby as a whole, not just the autographs. Can we have a party to burn all of the fake autographs at the National! Or maybe Souderton, PA??? Or we can donate them to Mongolia( or whatever country the formentioned is in) -Josh

Archive · #**264** 02-15-2008, 07:08 PM

Posted By: Richard SimonShelly asked me to post this Morales COA. Any comments on how convincing this is ? <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203704669.JPG"> -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**265** 02-15-2008, 07:34 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeLeon, you are correct,that is what appears on there cert. In regards to the Morales cert. I would be very interested in where Morales gets his exemplars. I would also like to know where he gets exemplars for over one thousand different people. The same question goes out to STAT. Here is there statement of fact. Along with their associates they bring over 100 years of combined hobby experience to the marketplace - working with the Baseball Hall of Fame, sports museums, hobby retailers, card manufacturers, as Promoters of major hobby shows and events, creators of cards and memorabilia and hosts of autograph events - not to mention being avid collectors ourselves.Who are there associates. How can they authenticate George Washington and not be able to authenticate Ted Williams,Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle(HBO Special) which is there specialty. When you see that this site was edited it is because I really don't do well with spelling. I am, as some of you know dyslexic. I then get four or five emails telling me what to correct. The only problem is I screw up again and again.

Archive · #**266** 02-15-2008, 07:52 PM

Posted By: PscolgrafsI collect CCSA/STAT/CM/GARO/AAU/FDS and co. scans, as well as passed crap by the big guys as well. It's impossible to compare prices since I have roughly 3000+ CCSA scans collected over the last three years, as well as their print auctions and prices realized lists. A few days after the auction ends, I grab screen grabs and note what everything sold for. The info was obtained directly from the CCSA web site. Below is a short list of items sold in 2007 with Morales and STAT letters through Coach's. Are these fair prices? (Jan 2007) # 1 1927 Yankees Team Signed Baseball $6601 (Morales) (Jan 2007) # 7 Cap Anson Autographed Single Baseball $861 (Morales) (Jan 2007) # 8 Josh Gibson Autographed Single Baseball $1158 (Morales) (Jan 2007) # 12 Babe Ruth Autographed Baseball Bat $4953 (STAT) (Jan 2007) # 30 Jack Chesbro Autographed Cut Signature $242 (STAT) (Jan 2007) # 39 Home Run Baker Autographed Baseball Bat $242 (STAT) (Jan 2007) #287 Mel Ott Autographed Single Baseball $410 (Morales) (Jan 2007) $293 John McGraw Autographed Single Baseball $416 (Morales) (Jan 2007) #679 Sitting Bull Autographed Cut Signature $210 (STAT) )Jan 2007) #685 Mel Ott Autographed Hand Written Letter $191 (STAT) (Jan 2007) #753 Rude Waddell Autographed Cut Signature $93 (STAT) (Jan 2007) #774 Ed Delahanty Autographed Cut Signature $516 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #119 Ty Cobb Autographed Baseball Bat $486 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #433 Ty Cobb Single Signed Baseball $437 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #435 Walter Johnson Single Signed Basebll $589 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #444 Jim Thorpe Autographed Single Baseball $200 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #445 Jimmie Foxx Autographed Single Baseball $276 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #451 Christy Mathewson Autographed Single Ball $176 (STAT) (Feb 2007) #452 Chuck Klein Autographed Single Baseball $247 (Morales) (Feb 2007) $512 Chuck Klein Autographed Gum Card $150 (STAT) (Mar 2007) # 1 1934 Tour Of Japan Signed Baseball $2445 (STAT) (Mar 2007) # 3 Ott, Wagner, Duffy, Cobb, Foxx Signed Ball $2329 (Morales) (Mar 2007) # 17 Ed Plank Autographed Single Baseball $702 (Morales) (Mar 2007) # 19 Mel Ott Autographed Single Baseball $682 (STAT) (Mar 2007) # 39 Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth Autographed Bat $6340 (Morales) (Mar 2007) #137 Lou Gehrig Autographed Baseball Bat $482 (Morales) (Mar 2007) #142 Home Run Baker Autographed Baseball Bat $376 (STAT) (Mar 2007) #201 1929 HOF Induction Signed Ball $340 (STAT) (Mar 2007) #228 Lou Gehrig Autographed Miniature Baseball $378 (Morales) (Mar 2007) #505 Josh Gibson Autographed Cut Signature $711 (STAT) (Apr 2007) # 5 Pride of Yankees Signed Ball w/ Ruth $341 (STAT) (Apr 2007) # 7 Mel Ott Single Signed Baseball $500 (Morales) (Apr 2007) # 24 Honus Wagner Autographed Baseball Bat $492 (STAT) (Apr 2007) # 25 Lou Gehrig Autographed Baseball Jersey $2150 (Morales) (Apr 2007) # 28 Cap Anson Autographed Cut Signature $368 (STAT) (Apr 2007) # 29 Cap Anson Signed Miniature Ball $551 (STAT) (Apr 2007) # 38 Joe Kelley Autographed Soft Ball $315 (STAT) (Apr 2007) # 56 Honus Wagner Autographed Baseball Glove $400 (STAT) (Apr 2007) #264 Walter Johnson Autographed Signed Baseball $634 (STAT) (May 2007) # 6 Lou Gehrig Autographed Baseball Jersey $1343 (Morales) (May 2007) # 14 Babe Ruth Autographed Baseball Bat $1489 (Morales) (May 2007) # 41 Christy Mathewson Hand-Written Letter $866 (STAT) (May 2007) #191 Nellie Fox Signed Baseball Bat $112 (STAT) (May 2007) #242 Joe Tinker Autographed Single Baseball $468 (Morales) (May 2007) #311 Bobby Jones Autographed Baseball $236 (STAT) (June 2007) # 7 Mel Ott Autographed Single Baseball $420 (STAT) (June 2007) # 47 Jimmie Foxx Autographed Mini-Bat $255 (STAT) (June 2007) # 48 Walter Johnson Autographed Soft Ball $348 (STAT) (June 2007) # 57 Josh Gibson Autographed Pants $159 (Morales) (June 2007) # 63 Cap Anson Autographed Cut Signature $318 (STAT) (June 2007) # 60 Ty Cobb Autographed Single Baseball $497 (STAT) (June 2007) #175 Gabby Harnett Signed Baseball Bat $108 (STAT) (June 2007) #264 Mel Ott Autographed Single Baseball $405 (STAT) (June 2007) #266 Chuck Klein Autographed Single Baseball $236 (STAT) (June 2007) #267 Nap Lajoie Autographed Single Baseball $305 (STAT) (June 2007) #282 Joe Kelley Single Signed Baseball $768 (STAT) (June 2007) #597 Lou Gehrig Autographed Cut Signature $236 (STAT) (June 2007) #640 Christy Mathewson & Nap Lajoie Signatures $410 (Morales) (July 2007) # 4 Lou Gehrig Autographed Baseball Bat $1523 (STAT) (July 2007) # 13 Martin Dihigo Single-Signed Ball $850 (STAT) (July 2007) # 19 Mel Ott Hand-Written Personal Letter $300 (STAT) (July 2007) # 41 Lou Gehrig Hand-Written Letter $1166 (Morales) (July 2007) # 70 Walter Johnson Autographed Baseball Bat $260 (STAT) (Sept 2007) # 2 1927 Yankees Team Signed Bat $6720 (STAT) (Sept 2007) # 16 Dan Brouthers Hand-Written Letter $405 (STAT) (Sept 2007) # 27 Christy Mathewson Hand-Written Letter $436 (Morales) (Sept 2007) # 52 Martin Luther King Jr. Autographed Bat $163 (STAT) (Sept 2007) # 60 Charles Darwin Vintage Cut Signature $247 (STAT) (Sept 2007) # 63 Jean Harlow Signed Cut Signature $50 (STAT) (Sept 2007) #246 Jimmie Foxx Autographed Baseball Bat $1050 (Morales) (Sept 2007) #277 Honus Wagner Autographed Baseball Glove $410 (STAT) (Nov 2007) # 10 Lou Gehrig Autographed Baseball Bat $1000 (STAT) (Nov 2007) # 12 Mel Ott Autographed Baseball $923 (Morales) (Nov 2007) # 15 Chief Bender Hand Signed Baseball $441 (STAT) (Nov 2007) # 16 Hugh Duffy Hand Signed Baseball $486 (STAT) (Nov 2007) #187 J.J McGinnity Autographed Baseball $941 (Morales) (Nov 2007) #743 Hugh Duffy Signed Cut Signature $152 (STAT) (Nov 2007) #724 Rube Waddell Autographed Cut Signature $194 (STAT)

Archive · #**267** 02-15-2008, 08:07 PM

Posted By: J Levine<img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203048416.JPG">

Archive · #**268** 02-15-2008, 08:18 PM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonPs - yes those are fair prices for 1962 collectors, not for 2008. I hope those cut signatures that are on your list are on large pieces of paper. They might have some paper value then. Josh - that is a riot, too funny <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>. I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**269** 02-15-2008, 08:25 PM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonSome of the rarest autographs in the hobby are listed by Ps - I would love to see the exemplars used by: STAT for Chesbro,Sitting Bull, Waddell (that great cut that sold for $93), Delahanty, Josh Gibson, Anson, Brouthers, Waddell. Mr Morales - Anson, Josh Gibson, Plank, McGinnity. These autographs are almost impossible to find. I always try to have at least six exemplars of an autograph in order to feel comfortable in an autograph examination. Please Mr Morales and the boys at STAT - let us see your exemplars. -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**270** 02-15-2008, 09:02 PM

Posted By: DJThat is really funny Josh. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> I think many of these authenticators solely rely on the Mark Allen Baker book, which ironically was published by SCD. The forgers most certainly do. There are a lot of forgeries based on those exemplars that are not correct in itself. So you have forgeries of players like Tim Keefe based on forgeries provided in a book that shows exemplars of what the public is to believe as authentic. The exemplars themselves become just as big of a challenge as the signature itself. DJ

Archive · #**271** 02-15-2008, 09:55 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeWell its another day and not a word directly from Mr. Morales and the boys from STAT. I want to thank all of you that have kept this thread going. I am sure that the above mentioned names would wish it would stop. I will try my best to make sure it doesn't.

Archive · #**272** 02-16-2008, 06:14 AM

Posted By: J. McMurryHad not heard that about the M.A. Baker books, can someone give some more details. In my opinion, it boils down to this on CM. at worst,he's a crook. At best he's completely incompetent in his profession. both equal no sale.

Archive · #**273** 02-16-2008, 06:21 AM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonWhy do you think that SCD issued a revised 2nd edition of that book within a very short period of time after the first edition came out ? The book has some good info but without doubt a number of the exemplars of really rare autographs are exemplars of bogus ones. -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**274** 02-16-2008, 06:32 AM

Posted By: ChrisMoralesI have recently returned from an assignment outside the country and have become aware of the “challenge” set forth by Shelly Jaffe concerning my capabilities and veracity. I had not been aware of this site prior to this incident. I am open to discussions, however, as noted in subsequent additions to the “challenge”, it appears that minds are made up. The following quote illustrates my point. “You have your opinion, I have mine, neither of us is going to change.” More disturbing is the statement “Just to be a pain...it would take me five minutes to create and send that same card with my name and picture on it as well.” The comments seem to be suggesting engaging in fraudulent activities. The attacks on my qualifications are false. I have contacted GW University for a correction. I have supplied a copy of my GW ID to this site. When I receive GW’s response I will share it with you. I have been laboratory trained as a document examiner, was certified and testified in court as a trained document examiner. As stated on my web site, I have never had a business or financial partnership with Donald Frangipani. At one time we discussed the concept of forming a partnership, but determined for various business reasons not to consummate the relationship. In my SCD interview, I stated that we were planning a company. It never happened. I would not have had to use the future tense if something already existed. Despite his denials, while in prison Jaffe contacted one company seeking employment. He was turned down. The company was subsequently blasted on HBO. After his release, he contacted at least two dealers offering his services. He was not employed by either party, in light of his conviction on fraud and tax charges related to forged sports memorabilia. Considering the public actions taken against any named individual who challenges the actions of Jaffe and his associates, I am withholding the names of the people contacted, but stand ready to identify them in an appropriate forum subject to a confidentiality agreement. As admitted in his “challenge”, he, together with Richard Simon and Steven Koschal, authenticated items based on scans. As pointed out by me and others, scans are not primary evidence, and authentications based on scans are worthless. As to the HBO program, I was asked to examine 5 or 6 actual items, not scans, and concluded that the items were authentic. To the best of my knowledge no one has examined all the seized items. Greg Marino made a blanket statement in a plea agreement, but never actually went through all of the items. It must also be noted that the individuals Jaffe admits associating with were tested in a court case last year in Indiana. The Court found, among other things, that both Simon and Koschal were not experts, were not trained, and were not reliable. These findings are set forth in the court’s decision. I stand by my statements, can and will provide proof of my credentials, and will verify under oath my representations.

Archive · #**275** 02-16-2008, 07:17 AM

Posted By: Josh SiegelThank You for making a response. Are you making it clear that you are trained as a Document Examiner, not an authenticator?

Archive · #**276** 02-16-2008, 07:30 AM

Posted By: Richard S. Simon1 - We did not authenticate items based on scans. We stated items were not authentic based on scans. All items we felt had a chance at being authentic were examined in person. Anybody familar with Hall of Fame autographs should be able to turn down blatantly bogus items based on scans. Experienced autograph dealers do this every single day. 2 - How do you happen to know the names of the three parties involved in your allegation that Mr Jaffe was discussing employment in the hobby. Did Mr Jaffe contact these people and then these people immediately stated "geez, I have to let Chris Morales know about this". I have no knowledge of anybody in the hobby who knows about Mr Jaffe looking for employment in the hobby. Nobody has stepped forward on this forum, which I believe has received a lot of publicity, to state that Mr Jaffe discussed employment with them. You stated you desired a forum in which to reveal these names. According to my dictionary a forum is: "A public meeting or assembly for open discussion." Then you turn around and say subject to a confidentiality agreement you will reveal their names. A forum is PUBLIC and OPEN. If your statement regarding this matter is true, then please prove it. 3 - Mr Koschal and myself were hired by Bill Daniels and deposed in a court case last year, Bill Daniels vs Mastronet. The judge did not feel that Mr Koschal and I were scientifically trained, we are not, and based solely on Indiana law, he did not allow our testimony. The law in New York State is different and I was declared an expert witness by the presiding judge, prior to my testimony, in a criminal case in Nassau County in the case of Nassau County vs. Daniel Dubcek. Mr Dubcek was a forger and he pled guilty. I think that people in the hobby have faith in our experience and knowledge, despite the fact that we have had no scientific training. Do people in the hobby have faith in a $93 Rube Waddell signature cut (not your authentication on this Waddell cut, came from the boys at STAT) or an $861 single signed Cap Anson baseball, when these items should sell for 100x that? 4 - I repeat a prior post, where are your exemplars of the really rare autographs that you wrote COA's for in Coaches Corner auctions?? Anson, Josh Gibson, Eddie Plank and JJ McGinnity and others. Any trained authenticator or document examiner has to work from exemplars. Let us see yours right now. -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**277** 02-16-2008, 07:33 AM

Posted By: Bill PanagopulosDear Mr. Morales, Many of us are pleased that you have returned and now have the opportunity to address the many issues that have been brought to the fore re: your abilities and qualifications as an autograph authenticator. You made a number of statements in your initial response here, and I feel the easiest, most efficacious manner to respond would be to simply "parse" your response, which I will do in caps, below: I have recently returned from an assignment outside the country and have become aware of the “challenge” set forth by Shelly Jaffe concerning my capabilities and veracity. FOR ACCURACY'S SAKE, I BELEVE IT WAS YOU WHO HAD ISSUED "AN OPEN CHALLENGE" ON YOUR WEB SITE". I had not been aware of this site prior to this incident. I am open to discussions, however, as noted in subsequent additions to the “challenge”, it appears that minds are made up. The following quote illustrates my point. “You have your opinion, I have mine, neither of us is going to change.” More disturbing is the statement “Just to be a pain...it would take me five minutes to create and send that same card with my name and picture on it as well.” The comments seem to be suggesting engaging in fraudulent activities. YOU STATE YOU ARE OPEN TO A CHALLENGE. MR. JAFFE ISSUED SUCH A CHALLENGE AND YOUR SILENCE, FOR WHATEVER REASON, IS WHAT SPAWNED THE 200+ COMMENTS WHICH FOLLOWED. The attacks on my qualifications are false. I have contacted GW University for a correction. I have supplied a copy of my GW ID to this site. When I receive GW’s response I will share it with you. THANK YOU. WILL THEY PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT? WILL YOU OR THEY ALSO ADVISE WHAT "CONCENTRATION IN QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS" MEANS? WILL THE SECRET SERVICE PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THE TRAINING YOU RECEIVED? I have been laboratory trained as a document examiner, was certified and testified in court as a trained document examiner. PER MY POST ABOVE IT WOULD BEHOOVE YOU TO PROVIDE FULL DISCLOSURE OF YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, SPECIFICALLY IN HANDWRITING AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS. ALTHOUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FORENSIC LABORATORIES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES IS A ADMIRABLE PURSUIT, I FAIL TO SEE ITS RELEVANCE IN DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT A LINCOLN SIGNATURE IS AUTHENTIC. ELABORATION ON YOUR TESTIMONY WOULD BE HELPFUL AS WELL. As stated on my web site, I have never had a business or financial partnership with Donald Frangipani. At one time we discussed the concept of forming a partnership, but determined for various business reasons not to consummate the relationship. In my SCD interview, I stated that we were planning a company. It never happened. I would not have had to use the future tense if something already existed. SINCE YOU NOW DIGRESS FROM "THE CHALLENGE", PLEASE EXPLAIN THE WEB SITE "FORENSIC SIGNATURE AUTHENTICATIONS". IT SHOWS EXPERTS MESSRS. BRADLEY, SOLIS, FRANGIPANI AND MORALES. WERE YOU NOT PARTNERS? Despite his denials, while in prison Jaffe contacted one company seeking employment. He was turned down. The company was subsequently blasted on HBO. After his release, he contacted at least two dealers offering his services. He was not employed by either party, in light of his conviction on fraud and tax charges related to forged sports memorabilia. Considering the public actions taken against any named individual who challenges the actions of Jaffe and his associates, I am withholding the names of the people contacted, but stand ready to identify them in an appropriate forum subject to a confidentiality agreement. IMMATERIAL TO THE QUESTION AT HAND As admitted in his “challenge”, he, together with Richard Simon and Steven Koschal, authenticated items based on scans. As pointed out by me and others, scans are not primary evidEnce, and authentications based on scans are worthless. AS AN AUCTIONEER OF OVER 40,000+ HISTORIC AUTOGRAPHS, SIR, I CAN WELL ASSURE YOU THAT SOME FORGERIES ARE SO POORLY-ACCOMPLISHED, I DON'T NEED TO SEE THEM IN-PERSON. CAN YOU DENY THAT? As to the HBO program, I was asked to examine 5 or 6 actual items, not scans, and concluded that the items were authentic. To the best of my knowledge no one has examined all the seized items. Greg Marino made a blanket statement in a plea agreement, but never actually went through all of the items. I IMAGINE MR. FITZSIMMONS COULD SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THIS. It must also be noted that the individuals Jaffe admits associating with were tested in a court case last year in Indiana. The Court found, among other things, that both Simon and Koschal were not experts, were not trained, and were not reliable. These findings are set forth in the court’s decision. I WILL LEAVE IT TO MESSRS. KOSCHAL AND SIMON TO RESPOND. I stand by my statements, can and will provide proof of my credentials, and will verify under oath my representations. RONALD REAGAN ONCE SAID: "TRUST, BUT VERIFY". FRANKLY, MR. MORALES, I HAVE NEVER TRUSTED YOUR JUDGMENT. I BASE MY OPINION ON YOUR HISTORICAL MATERIAL, AUTHENTICATIONS OF WHICH EMBARRASS ME. I CERTAINLY HAVE MADE MISTAKES...BUT I DON'T TOUT MYSELF AS A PROFESSIONAL AUTHENTICATOR. NEVERTHELESS, THAT'S ONLY MY OPINION. SHOW YOUR CREDENTIALS. MAKE THEM PUBLIC. IF YOU ARE INDEED AS QUALIFIED AS YOU SAY YOU ARE, THEN THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO USE YOUR SERVICES DO SO WITH "EYES WIDE OPEN".

Archive · #**278** 02-16-2008, 08:30 AM

Posted By: J LevineNow that Mr. Morales finally has come on board, I have a few questions... How many authentications do you do weekly? Are you on a salary for CC auctions or do you get paid by the cert. or do you get a piece of the final value of the auction? What are the exemplars that you currently use? If I sent you something to examine, what fee would I pay as an individual? I know you say that your authentications and examinations are only opinions but if an overwhelming majority turn out to be fakes and forgeries would you actually admit to being mistaken and try to improve yourself or would you just continue to do what you do regardless? Joshua

Archive · #**279** 02-16-2008, 08:40 AM

Posted By: J. McMurryI believe Koschal has already posted a response on his web site autographalert.com. RICHARD, I have both the Baker books,but never heard anything about bad exemplars in the first one. Should I assume that the bad examples were the ones that were different in the 2nd edition? As before, Creditials dont mean as much as ones historical body of work.

Archive · #**280** 02-16-2008, 08:44 AM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonJ Mc you ask "Should I assume that the bad examples were the ones that were different in the 2nd edition?" I think that is the correct assumption, though I don't own the 2nd edition, I assume they made at least some corrections. -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**281** 02-16-2008, 09:05 AM

Posted By: J. McMurryIf I remember correctly there were some changed examples in the 2nd book,but for the most part the examples were exactly the same pics as the first.

Archive · #**282** 02-16-2008, 09:18 AM

Posted By: johnMr. Morales, I think the question posed to you from Richard Simon is great. I would like to see your exemplars on the guys requested

Archive · #**283** 02-16-2008, 10:05 AM

Posted By: BobA few weeks prior to this thread being started, I contacted Ted Taylor in regards to the Amos Rusie ball that was in the Coach's auction. I had asked him how he had come to authenticate it as genuine and was even willing to drive down to PA to look at it myself with my own expert. After one or two back and forths in which Mr. Taylor was getting irrate with my logical questions, he of course stopped answering my e-mails. The Rusie ball, which is probably a $50,000-70,000 baseball, sold for less than $1,700. I contacted him yesterday in hopes of getting a response that I can share with the board as far as him either participating or not-participating and he released to me the following statement which I told him ahead of time that I would share with the group in a posting: I have no interest in the petty rants of such small minded people. In fact we have not read nor will we. Robert

Archive · #**284** 02-16-2008, 10:13 AM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonI had made a mind bet with myself as this thread grew. I said that Mr Morales would appear here and the guys from STAT would not. What a surprise to see that reply from Ted Taylor. -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**285** 02-16-2008, 11:37 AM

Posted By: Phil NapI guess I will commend Mr. Morales on showing up here. However, I will qualify that on the condition that he returns to answer all of the questions that have been posed. I am certainly looking forward to a continued debate between him and Richard. Ted Taylor's position, as related by Bob, is not at all surprising to me. Like Bob I too had an email back and forth with Ted Taylor. Mine was a while back, after he responded to the HBO segment with a letter published in the "Feedback" section of SCD. After reading his letter I wrote a response which was also published, however slightly edited by those at SCD. I will note that I did ask SCD not to publish my letter unless it was published as I submitted. Since I attempted to call out Coach's Corner in the unedited version, that did not happen. At the time I did send unedited copies of my letter to both Ted Taylor and Coach's and had some email correspondence back and forth with both of them. Coach's cut off that communication rather quickly but Ted's communications continued for a while. Bob's account of him becoming irrate is pretty much the same reaction I received.. To be honest it became quite humorous because as much as he made it clear he didn't want to discuss things with me anymore, it was almost like he couldn't help himself but to respond. Anyway after a long period of no communication I too sent him notice of this thread when "Eddie" (oops I mean Shelly) started it. He didn't respond to me. I guess he's still mad at me.

Archive · #**286** 02-16-2008, 11:59 AM

Posted By: shelly jaffeFirst off I would like to thank Mr Morales for appearing on this thread. I hope his trip to Mongolia was productive. Mr Morales I would now like to answer and question some of the points in your post - There is a resume of yours on the internet at - <a href="http://www.forensicsignatureauthentications.com/files/Chris_Morales_No_phone_QD_Resume.PDF" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.forensicsignatureauthentications.com/files/Chris_Morales_No_phone_QD_Resume.PDF</a> It is a different resume than the one on your website and was placed there by the company Forensic Signature Authentications. In that resume it says that you and Donald Frangipani are currently partners in a company called Frangipani and Morales Forensic Authentications and All City Investigations. If this is incorrect why did you allow this company to publish this information? Though your resume is no longer linked to the website of this Forensic Signature Authentications, the resume is still on the internet. This company stated that you were one of their authenticators along with Donald Frangipani. Were you an authenticator for this company? If not why did they post such information. It was on the internet for quite some time. Mr Frangipani in his past SCD interview first states that he is your partner than states he is not. He then states that you are his protege. I sent Mr Frangipani approximately 500 forgeries and he authenticated ALL OF THEM. Are you really a protege of someone like that? You state on your website that forensic examiners helped to bring me down. Exactly which forensic examiners did that?? You and I know there were none. Wayne Bray was responsible for bringing me and everyone else down. Would the FBI have used you or Mr Frangipani for this? You have stated that "while in prison Jaffe contacted one company seeking employment. He was turned down. The company was subsequently blasted on HBO". In order for me to contact any person by phone they would have to be on my calling list which I had to have in my incarceration. This is a federal rule. Nobody in this business was on my calling list. I never wrote one letter while incarcerated so I don't know how you claim that I contacted any company about employment. You also say that the company I contacted was blasted by the HBO show. Well the companies and individuals that were blasted on the HBO show were Donald Frangipani, William Tell, AAU, Christopher Morales and STAT. (STAT was not yet in business while I was incarcerated). I would never try to work for or with any of those people or companies. Frangipani was blasted by an undercover investigation with a hidden camera and the other entities were blasted by having their COA's shown during the show and having the reporter state that these COA's were authentications of bogus items. I did discuss employment with Tracercode and did work for them for a short time. Everyone who has read this thread knows that. I don't remember discussing employment with anyone else in this business. If you can prove that I did discuss employment, well please go ahead and do it publicly. Regarding the items that were used on the HBO show, they all came from Nate Harrison's autograph items stash in the Federal warehouse. He knew exactly which items he had that were forgeries. He, myself and Tim Fitzsimmons of the FBI took these items from the Federal warehouse where all the items gathered during the Federal raids were kept. We even went out of our way to pick one horribly forged item, in the vain attempt to see if everyone would get that item correct. It was a horrendous autograph of Michael Jordan, laughable actually. The only two authenticators to state it was authentic were Donald Frangipani and you, Christopher Morales. Check with Tim Fitzsimmons if you doubt this. I would guess the number of items you have authenticated could number in the thousands. If I am wrong, let me know. You have authenticated autographs in all categories. Where are your exemplars for the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis, Sinatra,Led Zeppelin and for all the other rare sports items? You have authenticated Josh Gibson's pants in the current CC auction. Let's see the exemplars for that signature. How did you obtain your exemplars? I am sure an autograph authenticator has vast exemplar files. Let's see some of yours. The authenticators I know in this field have taken many, many years to assemble a good exemplar file. How did you assemble yours? How many items have you turned down for authentication? Can we see pictures of some of those. I know of at least 2 authenticators that keep records of all the items that fail their authentications. Do you? Are you truly a qualified Questioned Document Examiner. If so why don't you have that title? If you are eligible to be in the Questioned Document Examiner of AAFS it is automatic, it is not something you have an option about. It is also considered an honor to be in that section. You are not in that section. I could be wrong but I spoke to several people at AAFS about this, including Jerry Richards, former FBI agent, who has been in Federal court many times and is now working independently. He is a member of the board of AAFS. He was one of the persons to give me this information about being in the Questioned Document section of AAFS. We are also very interested in any court cases where your decision regarding handwriting helped the government prove a case. Can you tell us any specifics regarding this? Can you tell us one major auction house that is well regarded in the hobby where a COA of yours has ever appeared? I admit that my participation with the Marino family was a disaster for me. I made a mistake. I have owned up to that. I think that it is time for you to own up to the disaster that you are helping to perpetuate, the authentication of autographs that are not authentic. You obviously have no capabilities in this autograph field. I admire the work you have done for the government, forensic work, Secret Service and whatever else you might have done. That has nothing to do with autographs. You are doing a disservice to the autograph community with your work. You are costing people many, many thousands of dollars. I can be fairly certain that many of the autographs you have authenticated have been bought with the hopes that they might pay for a new house someday or perhaps a childs college education. Years from now, those people will be crushed, perhaps financially ruined. I like to think that I know forgeries when I see them. I have looked at many CC auctions over the years. It is sad to see what I see. What you are doing has to stop now. Stop doing this now. You are hurting people and you will continue to do so. Belive me I know how people feel when they find out that the items the bought where fake. The reason I started this thread was to bring you to a public forum. I hurt people and I am sorry for it. I can't undo what I did, but you sure can. You are still hurting people and don't seem to care. Once again I say please stop.

Archive · #**287** 02-16-2008, 01:07 PM

Posted By: Aaron PattonA Cy Young signed hat? (CC 2/28 Lot 401) Absolute insanity. I'll be cancelling my subscription to SCD this evening. Best,

Archive · #**288** 02-16-2008, 01:14 PM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonThe hat is hand signed,,, wonder what other way it could have been signed? Maybe it is a facsimile signature? Maybe it is an autopen signature? -- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**289** 02-16-2008, 01:47 PM

Posted By: Chuck TapiaMr. Morales, I have to side with the jailbird on this one. First Shelly, I want to thank you for all your pleadings and your attempt to do the right thing, and I hope I'm not out of line with that crack about "jailbird." It is nice to have you on the side of the industry that we all love. Chris, I want to thank you for sharing your view points as well. Where else can you get so many fountains of Mis-information all in one place? Seriously though, Chris, you are really sliding down a slippery slope in what you are doing. You are using your talents incorrectly. You really are not an expert in the sports and celebrity autograph field and you are trying to push yourself off as one. You credentials are great, for anything but hand writing analysis. You are duping the public, but most importantly kidding yourself to make a buck. You will never be able to distance your self from "The Donald". Unfortunately you got into bed with a doofus and there is no turning back I'm afraid. Not entirely your fault probably, but facts are facts. Until you make a conscious effort to do the right thing by our hobby and quit the crap you are doing, you will face this the rest of your life. You really should join forces with Shelly and form your own company, called Frick and Fracks Cracker Jacks Authenticators and use your talents to combat evil people like the wads you are in bed with yet again. Right out of the oven and back into the frying pan. I guess, when your work is so questionable, you don't have that many options. Maybe you are just stupid and don't know what your doing. I think not. I think you know exactly what your doing and tell yourself your are doing a good job, just like Roger is telling himself he didn't Roid up. I have no alliances here, but am merely a collector that you are turning OFF OFF OFF. Do the right thing and quit putting out the crap certifications you are now doing. Then and only then can you repair your reputation which is pretty important. Much more important than the piles of money you are making. Shelly's giving it a try and I'm starting to like him, you sir are a disgrace to the human race and also our little hobby. Chuck

Archive · #**290** 02-16-2008, 02:18 PM

Posted By: Bill PanagopulosWell said, Mr. Jaffe. While we await your response to my earlier inquiry, Mr. Morales, just a few more questions, if you don't mind. Elaborating on your areas of expertise a bit, it seems that you also authenticate a good deal of non-baseball material, that is, historical and pop-culture items. As I (bragged) before, I've sold a lot of autographs in my time, but there are many fields I need help on. I'm not bashful in asking for assistance, because frankly I've never encountered any dealer, auctioneer or authenticator who considers himself fully competent to authenticate EVERY autograph extant. No one can contain that amount of expertise in the human cranium (except, perhaps, an "idiot savant"). Now, you obviously do an awful lot of authenticating of baseball material. But according to websites I've viewed and catalogs I've obtained, you've also authenticated: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, John F. Kennedy, Orville Wright, Eric Clapton (with the members of Derek and the Dominoes and Cream), Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the Grateful Dead, Charlie Chaplin, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Allman Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Who, Sitting Bull, Boston, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nirvana, Johnny Cash, Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, cast members of The Godfather, Caddyshack, American Graffiti, the Wizard of Oz, and The Blues Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Buzz Aldrin, KISS, Frank Sinatra and the "Rat Pack", Bob Marley, Muhammed Ali, Neil Armstrong, Clark Gable, Cole Younger, George A. Custer, and hundreds more. How were you able to handle enough material and obtain enough experience to confidently authenticate these items? Most of these names are the most forged signatures on the market, and their ethical authentication requires much more than a "cursory" examination. And some of the items you approved are of extraordinary rarity, yet appear in dealer catalogs, showrooms, and on web sites with alarming frequency, selling for a fraction of their true value. How could a Beatles signed album sell for only $15-20,000, even in a retail gallery, when auction records show such albums selling well in excess of $75,000? And if they are indeed authentic, I would certainly like to know the source - and buy a few bushels full, send them to Christie's, and retire. What do these galleries and internet auction houses know that we don't? In the HBO Sorts expose, your associate, Mr. Frangipani, was asked: "When you gett all these items coming in, boxes and boxes...you don't say...what the hell's going on here, where's all this stuff coming from?...How can there be this much real stuff" He replied: "Oh, I always ask myself that question.". Mr. Morales: Do you ever ask yourself that question?

Archive · #**291** 02-16-2008, 02:24 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeRichard. I see you said hand signed.The real question is whose hand signed it? Just to give the thread a little more info,The Donald charged on average $7 an autograph and was able to send back by overnight a 100 items at a time.. Mr. Morales what is your cost and how many do you do a day?

Archive · #**292** 02-16-2008, 02:54 PM

Posted By: Chris MoralesRichard, Your question pertaining to my exemplars files is just and a good question. I have spent many thousands of dollars and 100's of man hours between myself and other colleagues. I have more than the "required" number of 6 you mentioned. Because of my considerable costs in buildiing my files, I will not provide these to the public in open forum. I will direct you to the same locations I and other colleagues accessed, at consederable cost and time. You can do the work yourself. I will note a few of these to help you along: Anson: 1. 11 examples from the Baseball Hall of Fame files (I encourage any autogaph collector to do the same but it does cost for the service. In the late 80's an early 90's, they allowed public access to their records, but now seem to have tightened up the access and require more credentialing). 2. Sothebys 4-9-94 letter lot 236 3. Anson calling card Halper collection 4. 1901 Anson presentation book page from Halper collection Josh Gibson 1. The Baseball Hall of Fame, many examples 2. Harison studios twice signed photo (recently discovered) 3. 4 winter league contracts 4. Josh Gibson and Paige signed baseball (Mastro auction last name only) Eddie Plank: 1. The Baseball Hall of Fame many examples 2. Mastro auctions lot 2310 August 2006 3. Nov. 2000 lot 563 Mastro auctions 4. July 2000 Mastro auctions I have complete copies of the George M Klepper collection of first day covers that surfaced in the early 1990's and was distributed through the hobby. I have copies of most of the signatures from the Spalding archive housed in the New York Public Library (Again, I encourage any collector or dealer to access this. It is time consuming and you will have labor costs, but well worth the time.) I have letters from Joe McGinnity, Rube Waddell and other dead ball era players. My exemplar base of dead ball players would be hard to beat. I stand confident, willing and able to present these in any court of law. I will not answer to a dozen different commands, threats or requirements from individuals who have already formed a negative opinion. I am preparing a response to many of the issues, including evidence from GWU that is being prepared. Sine GWU is closed on Monday, I expect to have all compiled by the middle of next week.

Archive · #**293** 02-16-2008, 03:27 PM

Posted By: Bill PanagopulosThen why, Mr. Morales, do none of the major auction houses in this country accept your authentications? Why does almost every item you authenticate fail to meet the approval of autograph dealers, auctioneers and collectors nationwide, when viewed in comparison to authentic examples and contextually? If you truly do have exemplars of all of these items, hundreds if not thousands of autographs in the fields of rock, pop-culture, presidential, criminal, native American, baseball, artists, Hollywood, and so on, and you study all of these exemplars when authenticating an autograph, then...you have the worst eye for autographs I've ever seen. Find a new job.

Archive · #**294** 02-16-2008, 03:29 PM

Posted By: Richard S. SimonMr Morales - You won't reveal the names of the dealers that you said Mr Jaffe talked to about employment. You won't reveal your exemplars to the public. You seem to not want to reveal anything that will prove the points you are attempting to make. You have also not answered a key question. Are you truly a Questioned Document Examiner? The information on this thread from the AAFS seems to contradict you in that regard. Can you please clarify this point. And does it not make you wonder that the prices achieved by CC with your certs. do not even approximate the estimates of CC, let alone the prices achieved by other auctions? Does it not make you wonder that the prices achieved by CC are fractions of what dealers and auction houses would pay for authentic autographs? Does it not make you wonder when a Cap Anson ball with your COA reaches the rarified heights of $800? Does it not make you wonder that CC seems to have a never ending supply of the rarest HOF autographs in the hobby, when other auction houses rarely get those signatures? You state that you and other colleagues accessed files, etc. Who are these colleagues? Why not just show those McGinnity and Waddell letters. Just those two items would give your answer a modicum of credibility. And how about the exemplars for: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, John F. Kennedy, Orville Wright, Eric Clapton (with the members of Derek and the Dominoes and Cream), Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the Grateful Dead, Charlie Chaplin, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Allman Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Who, Sitting Bull, Boston, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nirvana, Johnny Cash, Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, cast members of The Godfather, Caddyshack, American Graffiti, the Wizard of Oz, and The Blues Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Buzz Aldrin, KISS, Frank Sinatra and the "Rat Pack", Bob Marley, Muhammed Ali, Neil Armstrong, Clark Gable, Cole Younger, George A. Custer, and hundreds more. All of which are carrying your COA's, as per Mr. Panagopulos. --- I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Unknown author -- We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember. No retreat baby, no surrender. The Boss

Archive · #**295** 02-16-2008, 03:30 PM

Posted By: Bill PanagopulosBy the way...who are your "colleagues"?

Archive · #**296** 02-16-2008, 03:38 PM

Posted By: DJIsn't it amusing that the exemplars that you have gathered through auction houses, were in almost every case, already authenticated by "experts" and not by "forensics"? While you mention you have Josh Gibson exemplars, how do you explain the amount of Gibson signatures in the past that you have in fact passed? I mean signed pants one month for less than $200 and then a few months later, another signed pair of pants? Mel Ott signed jerseys? Jimmie Foxx signed jerseys? Lou Gehrig signed jerseys? Mastro sells Mel Ott signed balls for $25,000 every couple years. Mel Ott balls authenticated by you bring on average $800 in Coach's Corner. Do you use those Mastro exemplars to authenticate your monthly Ott that sells for 3% of a Mastro price? Exemplars mean nothing unless you know your source and the history behind these pieces. Example: Josh Gibson = rare. DJ

Archive · #**297** 02-16-2008, 03:45 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffeI still have that one question you have not answered. If you are that good, why did you get five out of five wrong on the HBO show. The only one that did worse than you was the Donald 0 for 7 your teacher? God help the students of GWU if you taught them.

Archive · #**298** 02-16-2008, 04:30 PM

Posted By: Paul MossI hate to say it, but as inappropriate this thread is for a card forum, I am thoroughly enjoying it. Over the years, I have made many incredibly stupid decisions that would qualify me to become the village idiot, on the other hand there have been some that were brilliant. Having read through, and stayed with this thread since its inception, I can only pat myself on the back for the utterly genius move on my part to quit collecting autographs and sell 99% of them eight or nine years ago. The skullduggery in cards PALES in comparison to the outright bum buggery and piracy on the high seas with the wonderful world of autographs. Yes, they're cool when you get them in person, especially when these guys were your favorites from one's youth. Hey, I got Mickey Mantle at the 94 National for the ball breaking price of $90 at the UD autograph signing booth, and Mohammed Ali signed my Cassius Clay album cover "Cassius Clay" and clowned around with my son I guess around 12 years ago. Obviously these were keepers...... Good memories. After reading all this, and realizing that anyone with a steady hand, a good eye, and a supply of old ink, can be in business tomorrow, why on earth would anyone bother to collect this stuff? Perhaps I should set myself up as a "qualified" examiner as there seems to be a few bucks in this end of the game. No need to send me the items, I authenticate them using my psychic powers. I have no need for exemplars as my powers are more than sufficient to ascertain the genuine sigs from the fake. Are you questioning my psychic powers? Go ahead..........at least I'll issue a really fancy COA/letter, lots of scroll design on quality colored paper with my bold signature stating my opinion. It will be worth the paper it's printed on. Guaranteed! <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14> <img src="http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/zardoz51/DSC00786.jpg"> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203168048.JPG"> edited scan size

Archive · #**299** 02-16-2008, 04:33 PM

Posted By: J. McmurryThe thing that is becoming the most disturbing to me is the attitude of SCD regarding the coaches corner gang. If it's true that SCD is protecting the CCG, then they are just as guilty of selling fakes, and I too will terminate my subscription. I dont care if your resume includes a picture of you and J. Edgar Hoover holding hands, if your coa's are attatched to S***,then your credibility is S***.

Archive · #**300** 02-16-2008, 05:11 PM

Posted By: shelly jaffe I was just on the Internet to see who else uses Mr.Morales services. There is a company out of Florida with four stores and two more opening. They show Beatles,Rolling Stone, Jimmy Hendricks, Greatfull Dead and many many more impossible to get items. I wonder just how many of these items have been sold with Morales certs. Here is there web site.<a href="http://www.americanroyalarts.com" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.americanroyalarts.com</a> I wonder if they have seen this thread.

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