Mr. Counterfeit

[rdwyer]

Just got my Dizzy Dean auto authenticated yesterday at PSA Fridays. Was sweating bullets, but it was ok. The waiting and worrying was the hard part.

[BeanTown]

I would like to know the percentage of his forgeries that passed the experts "opinion" that are good, now graded by PSA. Very good story done by ESPN and thanks for posting. Hopefully they didn't forge the 500 HR Club print which I have in the basement and bought in the late 90s.

[irv]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

I would like to know the percentage of his forgeries that passed the experts "opinion" that are good, now graded by PSA. Very good story done by ESPN and thanks for posting. Hopefully they didn't forge the 500 HR Club print which I have in the basement and bought in the late 90s.

We will obviously never know as I believe the guy was that good that he not only fooled PSA, he likely fooled all of them.

Him aside, don't forget about all the fake "Authentications" out there as well that were signed by other forgers.

I have one signed card and one picture and I think that is as far as I will take my auto collection.

[samosa4u]

Man, if I collected autographs, I'd feel like SH*T after watching this video.

[brob28]

If you haven't read this book its a great read about Marino and the forgery business. I'd say 99% of DiMaggio, T. Williams and Mantle autos out there are fake.

[JollyElm]

I really don't have much faith in vintage autographs being legitimate, but seeing how effortlessly this crook 'perfectly' signed Babe Ruth brings it to a whole new level. Yowza.

[irv]

Originally Posted by brob28

If you haven't read this book its a great read about Marino and the forgery business. I'd say 99% of DiMaggio, T. Williams and Mantle autos out there are fake.

That's a very high number.

I have heard DiMaggio didn't really care for signing autographs but did Ted and Mickey not care for them either?

[irv]

Originally Posted by brob28

If you haven't read this book its a great read about Marino and the forgery business. I'd say 99% of DiMaggio, T. Williams and Mantle autos out there are fake.

In the blurb, it reads this is going to be a feature film.
https://www.amazon.ca/Operation-Bull.../dp/B00C0HODPY

The amazing true story of the high-flying national forgery ring that forged the autographs of sports stars and celebrities and ripped off the American public for more than $100 million, before being busted by a dramatic three-year FBI undercover investigation. As seen on ESPN, Tru-TV, and now being developed into a feature film.

[MrSeven]

Originally Posted by irv

That's a very high number.

I have heard DiMaggio didn't really care for signing autographs but did Ted and Mickey not care for them either?

There are plenty of genuine examples of all three in great numbers.

John Henry Williams made his father sign at every waking moment towards the end. Mickey Mantle signed in insane numbers as well. Even DiMaggio was a volume signer.

One of the reason sticking to early examples (outside of the autograph circuit) & unique items is probably a safer choice.

[brob28]

Originally Posted by irv

That's a very high number.

I have heard DiMaggio didn't really care for signing autographs but did Ted and Mickey not care for them either?

Hi Irv, I admit I got a little overzealous with the 99% statement, no doubt there are a lot.

[pbspelly]

Originally Posted by brob28

If you haven't read this book its a great read about Marino and the forgery business. I'd say 99% of DiMaggio, T. Williams and Mantle autos out there are fake.

After watching the video, I went looking for the book "Operation Bullpen." I found a used copy at one website (American Book Exchange) that, wouldn't you know it, said it was "Signed by the Author."

[greco827]

Originally Posted by pbspelly

After watching the video, I went looking for the book "Operation Bullpen." I found a used copy at one website (American Book Exchange) that, wouldn't you know it, said it was "Signed by the Author."

Ah, the irony.

[Stampsfan]

Originally Posted by pbspelly

After watching the video, I went looking for the book "Operation Bullpen." I found a used copy at one website (American Book Exchange) that, wouldn't you know it, said it was "Signed by the Author."

OMG that's funny.

I wonder if there is any way to authenticate that signature...

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by brob28

If you haven't read this book its a great read about Marino and the forgery business. I'd say 99% of DiMaggio, T. Williams and Mantle autos out there are fake.

A cherished item from my humble collection.

A copy of "Operation Bullpen" signed by Tim Fitzsimmons.



TimFitzSignedOpBullpen-1.jpg

[pbspelly]

Originally Posted by thetruthisoutthere

A cherished item from my humble collection.

A copy of "Operation Bullpen" signed by Tim Fitzsimmons.



Attachment 291546

Funny, I have the same message written to me on my signed copy of "Catcher in the Rye"

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by irv

We will obviously never know as I believe the guy was that good that he not only fooled PSA, he likely fooled all of them.

Marino was great only in the volume he produced. His forgeries are not that deceptive. I'm sure some have slipped by, but not many have gotten by credible authenticators.

Note how carefully and methodically he "draws" the signatures. Trained eyes can easily identify this unnatural look.

[bmattioli]

The prick sounds so proud of himself.. it's disgusting to me..

[vargha]

Originally Posted by rdwyer

Just got my Dizzy Dean auto authenticated yesterday at PSA Fridays. Was sweating bullets, but it was ok. The waiting and worrying was the hard part.

I believe Tom petty stated something similar.