list of fake autograph dealers list of fake autograph dealers

Learn how it works, always bid slightly higher than you are prepared to pay and use it to your advantage. I also ran the 'Autographica' and UACC events in London, although I sold my share in that part of the business some years ago. An inventory of genuine autographs will usually have a dramatic diversity. Figurines produced in different sizes, also have designators appended to the HUM. Michael Jordan (Previous Ranking: 4) 6) Prices are unrealistically low. At the same time, the sometimes volatile competence of 3rdparty authenticators is a legitimate debate that will live on, hopefully for the betterment of the industry. A blatantly dishonest dealer will surely fail several of the above tests. 7) No provenance or evidence of purchase. This is a good question. But it wouldnt be so easy to fake signatures on dramatically diverse items in a collection, such as personal checks, contracts, letters, and official documents. Listen to their rationale for why they are not a member. If the Hummel figurines are part of an estate that you inherited or need to clear, consider organizing an estate sale. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are its a fake. If a seller can't show you his eBay account, there is a possibility that the seller has been banned by eBay for selling forgeries, or for other fraudulent activity. I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? 6 members like this. If you have already purchased items on eBay that come with a COA, take a look at them now, do they have the sellers full details on them, name, address etc, no? The seller, who's eBay is screenshotted below, uses the handle . Its even more valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines. If the UACC bans you for selling forgeries, you will likely land on the UACC Hall of Shame list. I was voted UACC dealer of the year in 2000, AFTAL dealer of the year in 2011 and won the UACC Presidents Quality Award in 2006 and have been buying and selling autographs for over 20 years. @Dgoldfe13 said: 9:30 - 5:30 Monday - Friday There may be as many as 50 different figurines produced by Herbert Dubler Inc. I know you personally may not have these answers and the risk is all on the buyer. There was a mountain of paper work. Thus the Dubler figurines were born. There is not one single good reason why any legitimate seller would use either of these PRIVATE options, the UACC and AFTAL have banned it, and so should eBay. Suspect sellers, particularly forgers, will have no valid proof of purchase for items on their websites. Operation Bullpen: Authenticators and Autograph Sellers to Watch for Authenticators and sellers targeted by the FBI for forgeries and frauds are still finding their way onto online marketplace sites, including eBay. After you've compared hundreds of genuine and fake examples the signs of a forgery become blatant. And remember, that just because a seller has 1000+ positive feedbacks he need not be a really good seller! I don't know the answer but would like to hear what others think. Careers This piece was produced in 1000 units, which makes it an extremely rare Hummel figurine. 0 Comments The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. Use the My Signature tool to create your unique signature. For example, an opinion from one dealer may tick off another reputable dealer and result in a hostile reaction. The market will not allow this to happen. Items still slip through the cracks. Why would the autograph of one man look just like that of another? Forgeries remain a major problem. Always read the full eBay listing at least twice and be sure to check all feedback etc as detailed below, check out the seller as much as you can and ask other known dealers about any seller you may do business with. For example, there is a website that sells such rare (but actually forged) items like Boris Karloff autographed "Frankenstein" photos for about $500, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Unfortunately, eBay decided that this guide infringed eBay policies, and it has now removed it! I'm sure there are other fine authentication companies. Bidding early will only push the price of the item up (don't forget that this will allow the fraudsters and forgers to bid you up too) so use a sniper! If I could add one more point, it would be this: Be wary of sellers who have item descriptions that contain long biographical backgrounds of the subject -- often entireWikipediapagescopied and pasted -- yet statelittle or nothing about the actual signed item. Buy items that come authenticated from companies like PSA/DNA, JSA or Steiner -- companies with longstanding histories in the hobby. After the figurines are assembled, theyre fired three times in a kiln, glazed, and fired once more. Sometimes, its just another factory control number. It might be a hidden gem. The market will not allow this to happen. what do other well known dealers think of them etc? Many suspect dealers have an abundant supply of highly scarce items. The sellers of fakes on eBay will provide you with a COA if that is what will make you buy it. Another good rule to go by (but not foolproof) is that if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Hummels signature. https://www.autographcoa.com/. Because Ars Sacra was the first company to publish M.I. Tags: autograph, autographs, collectible, forgeries, !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Organizations which do not hold members accountable, even credible organizations like the Manuscript Society or Better Business Bureau, should, One of the best ways to find out about the reputation of a dealer is to ask other collectors and professionals in active autograph forums and communities like Autograph. Special individual Hummel figurines can be sold for thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. Create a signNow account (if you haven't registered yet) or log in using your Google or Facebook. Interested in autographs? We have enough of that to go around. Value: Cut Signature - $250, High-Grade Signed Golf Flag - $1,500. It doesnt need to be exactly the same figurines. I can across bit I wrote that might be a good counterpoint after locating a source. Also, these steps are not "set in stone". In 1940, Germany stopped sending products for Dubler to sell. A young photographer snaps a picture of three children with their toys and dog. 4) Very little or none of the sellers inventory has been authenticated by a reputable third-party authentication service like JSA or PSA/DNA. 100% customer satisfaction. Lyle, I have several baseballs,that were gave to me after a persons deathI have no coas,but I need them re-gradedhelp please.thanks. The Goebel company uses a specific porcelain mix which makes the final product feel rather solid. Forgeries often weigh less than real Hummel figurines. Take anonymous complaints or complaints from people using fictitious names with a grain of salt. Few dealers are going to reveal what they paid for an item, and may not want to share their source, but any reputable dealer will have receipts for items they have purchased other than the specific items you are interested in buying. Unless they sell mostly autographs from the last 25 years or so, when their inventory contains mostly glossy photos or autographs signed on plain slips of paper, in books or programs, and most items are not inscribed, a red flag should go way up. But if its fake, then its fake, and it will always be fake! There are many knowledgeable people here that are more than happy to help. Instead of discussing the technical aspects of authentication, I want to focus on autograph dealers. by Peter C. Ask around about the seller (but don't ask them! Unless you already have considerable experience, then only buy from dealers who are actually members of AFTAL, the UACC Registered Dealer program, RACC or PADA (and can prove it) any other membership is virtually worthless, and be careful, anyone can join the UACC or the Manuscript Society, they are after all clubs for autograph collectors, but you have to be a little special to become a UACC or AFTAL dealer.UACC dealers who are part of the Registered Dealer Program have been members for 3 years or more, and have proved they know what they are talking about, they have provided both references from other known dealers, and their stock has been checked on a regular basis by other dealers. A COA in itself does not and can never prove or confirm that an item is authentic, an item is either real or its not, and no amount of paperwork can make a fake item authentic. But there were plenty of other authenticators besides J. DiMaggio who came under investigation by the FBI. What Is a Date Of Death Appraisal (Complete Guide)? They seem to have an unlimited supply of extremely rare autographed items. The truth is that some of these 'sellers' have been refused membership or have already been thrown out! In its report, PSA/DNA also points out that not all fake autographs were created with the intent to defraud people. The process to render the drawing into a completed porcelain figurine could take months and each step received the approval of the Sisters of Siessen. By that time, Dr. Herbert Dubler and Ars Sacra had already established a New York-based distribution company. This is a complex scene with a number of characters and small details. For a good starting point, reference this Hummel Figurine Guide, but note that prices can vary widely depending on certain factors. That in and of itself does NOT always mean the dealer is dishonest and/or selling forgeries. Large versions with Hummel numbers #142/X and #141/X can be valued at $26,000 or more, according to experts. Decoration designator usually appended after the HUM/size number and painted or stamped. If in any doubt use my 'quick opinion' service to find out what is real or not.Most of the forgers tend to concentrate on the current big names, so whatever the latest big film or TV show is, then they will probably have a stack of stuff available, and often at a low start price too. What are the chances of receiving a fake? Here is the complete list of most dangerous sports autographs from PSA/DNA. @Dgoldfe13 said: 3) The sellers inventory is unnatural. This does not help identify someone who is. Is the autograph contemporary to the photograph or added later? Authentic autographs can be worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Most legitimate autograph dealers, even if they have a gallery, store or a website, also have an eBay account. Hummel and either Herbert Dubler, Inc. or Ars Sacra incised onto the base of the figurines. Obviously, the latter are more valuable. You are always helpful. All told, the bureau estimated that more than $100 million was spent on fraudulent goods some via unwitting outlets like QVC, others through complicit dealers. Zack Dickerson (ID 24640) Zack, A great place to start would be to submit them to PSA/JSA or another well-regarded authenticator. [CLICKABLE IMAGE] American actress Hattie McDaniel (1893-1952) shown as Mammy in the famous 1939 film "Gone with the Wind" No enlarged pics of the signatures. exciting than owning a genuine historical artifact right from the hand of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Babe Ruth, John Wayneor any other major cultural icon? Complex figurines are made from up to 40 individual pieces, which are molded separately and joined later. Also, look at how unnatural the "Fr" connection is in the Frank forgery. The forgers come out. A blatantly dishonest dealer will surely fail several of the above tests. Hummel's estimated fair market value: $913.67. What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are fake.. Larger figurines and those with a base also received M.I. Value: Cut Signature - $3,500, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $75,000. A boy or a girl figurine sitting on an apple tree branch. For obvious reasons, suspicious sellers have an aversion to reputable independent authentication. Thanks! What to look for in a dealers presentation, reputation and behavior that may be a red flag that something isn't right. It's even more valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines. Even on the extremely rare chancean unknowledgeable seller offered one for such a low cost, it would not last a day. Enjoy a better manner of doing business with signNow. Oftentimes, however, forgers will use modern fountain pens to create a signature that looks vintage. Fax: (785) 842-4917 They soon caught the eye of Franz Goebelmaster porcelain maker and owner of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik. A forger will not only fake the COA and the signature, but the story to back it all up as well. There is a website that sells such rare (but actually forged) items like Boris Karloff autographed Frankenstein photos for about $500, and John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland signed 8x10 photos for $299. Goebel first started with TMK-1 (oldest) and moved all the way through TMK-8 (newest). The last auction ended on 04/29/2023 at 7:00 PM CST! I hope the above has been of some use to you. FAKE AUTOGRAPHS ALL OVER - EBAY DOES NOTHINNG. True Legacy Homes can help you identify and appraise Hummel figurines and other valuable items in your estate. If the seller is a fake autograph seller, there is a good chance that they are already banned from big collectible platforms such as eBay. These are usually marked with mold numbers 903 to 914. Unscrupulous dealers know the cost for a customer to sue them for a refund on a fake autograph is rarely worth it, so they will not honor their guarantee. 0 Likes, by Matteo Chinellato Check the bottom of the listing (left hand side) for this, and check the feedback too, if the feedback does not show what other items the seller has sold then they are using the PRIVATE option, my advice then is to simply avoid them, as they are very probably hiding something. Besides the actual witnessing of an autograph. 819 Massachusetts St. For obvious reasons, suspicious sellers have an aversion to reputable independent authentication. You can get an idea for the true value for most pieces by doing some research. Study the example below: In this image you see a PSA/DNA Certified genuine Frank Sinatra at the top and a blatant forgery on the bottom. These numbers are usually cast with the figurine or incised in the soft porcelain, so they are a permanent identification feature. Note the ink of the forgery. However, there is no one that loathes the 3rdparty authentication services more than the forgery industry, for obvious reasons. Eventually, it would become clear the same person was likely manufacturing most orall of them. Here are the most popular ways you can sell your Hummel figurines: A good way to liquidate the value of your Hummel figurine is to sell it at an auction. Powered by, Badges | If for any reason youre unhappy with the product please contact us: 1-800-399-5199 for return or exchange instructions. Now I realize that there are reputable dealers who may fail one of the above tests. If a certain sportsmans autograph is going for $500 on several eBay items, but a memorabilia dealer is offering his autographed items for $200, somethings fishy. Here's who eBay recommends: https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/using-authentication-grading-services?id=4659. Mickey Mantle/Ted Williams/Joe DiMaggio, 2022-23 Topps UEFA Club Competitions Variations Guide, Top Selling Sports Card and Trading Card Hobby Boxes Hot List, 2023 National Sports Collectors Convention Guide - Autograph Signers, 2023 Topps Home Run Challenge Baseball Cards Checklist and Game Details, 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball Variations Checklist Guide, 2023 Topps Game Within the Game Baseball Cards Checklist Gallery, 2023 Leaf Signature Series Football Cards, 2022-23 Topps Now NHL Stickers Hockey Cards Checklist, 2023 Topps Now MLS Soccer Cards Checklist. So much can be said and attraction added by the right mats and frames. In particular, many forgers and unethical dealers have used online review to silence or retaliate against anyone who speaks out against them. Many sellers use some very clever wording to suggest that the item is genuinely signed, when I fact its simply a copy of the original. Value: Cut Signature - $150, High-Grade Signed Boxing Glove - $500. You can see where the forger is tracing slowly at the beginning so the ink is applied heavily in the first few letters. VINCENT PRICE. Each figurine has the so-called Hummel or HUM number. These can be sold individually or as a set. Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. Also consider this, why is a man in Rumania, Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Australia or even Singapore! Also be sure Google the seller in a few ways, and Toohaus.org in invaluable when it works.And it bears repeating-ask before you purchase. Size?Color cohesion? I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? So to help you avoid the forgers on eBay I have come up with these 'Golden Rules' ignore them at your peril! Return Policy: "I have worked in the music business for 30 years" "item comes with an impeccable references from someone in the film industry" "I buy my items from UACC or AFTAL dealers and other registered sources" (neither the UACC or AFTAL allow anyone to make this claim unless they state EXACTLY who they purchased from. Except for a few short breaks during World War II and in the early 2000s, the figurines have been in continuous production, breathing life into hundreds of M.I Hummels drawings. The natural characteristics ofeach letter are also missing, particularly how Sinatra uniquely made his "a" with an underlying loop. For example, Adventure Bound is #347. There were some names that thrust into the top ten since the last time we generated this report, like Neil Armstrong and Derek Jeter, and others that fell off the list, like LeBron James. Excellent material to the right seller needs no papers. All these things could delight her and she would stand and look and look, for what seemed like an eternity.. Certainly they must have receipts for some of their items. Born in 1909 in Massing, Germany, Berta Hummel was encouraged by her parents to develop her artistic talent. PS - This all reduces yet again to education - and tuition need not be costly. 0 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin Quick Links: Also, be very picky about letters of authenticity. Hummel agreed, reserving the right to choose the official color palette and approve every single figurine. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are it's a fake. While there's no shortage of authentic autographs from any of the trio, they're popularity has led to a lot of fakes on the market as well. But in this crazy world we live in where many people are money-hungry, fake autographs exist. Like most forgers, this one doesn't risk adding more evidence of his handiwork by adding an inscription. We dont like it, and we dont do it. We are wondering what it might be worth. Hummels work (the initial postcards) and held copyrights to her art, many consider the Dubler figurines as legitimate collector pieces. The item I buy has a COA come with it. selling David Beckham etc signed items which he claims to have got in person! Covid Policy, TRUE LEGACY While there's no shortage of authentic autographs from any of the trio, they're popularity has led to a lot of fakes on the market as well. Ten years ago when forgers were even more prolific on eBay than they are today, you could often look at their other items for sale and notice a fishy similarity to their autographs. Organizations which do not hold members accountable, even credible organizations like the Manuscript Society or Better Business Bureau, should not be any indication that the dealer is reputable. As always, be careful and look for warning flags. Display? Hopefully, this article has been a good introduction to the world of M.I. Joe DiMaggio: Baseball - $300. Terms of Service. 8) Most suspect sellers have no credible affiliations with industry-recognized organizations. 9 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin I semi understand that. Anonymous complaint sites are one of the primary tools the forgery industry uses to extract vengeance on the honest collectors,authenticatorsand dealerswhoexpose theircriminalactivity. 0 Comments Fake autographs are worthless. Just wanted to add Autograph COA (ACOA) to this list. This does not help identify someone who is still selling fakes on eBay, but is another check and balance. Those aren't only scarce, a genuine Brando-signed Godfather poster has never appeared in the market. The purpose of these guidelines is to make you aware of potential risks when deciding to buy autographs based on observations I have experienced over the past 35 years that have raised a"red flag". An experienced collector would buy it immediately. The list consists of those who have clean records with regard to their associations and reputations in the industry, lack of ethics complaints and continue to remain . I have never even owned a John Hancock, ever. Hummels estimated fair market value: $1,630.33, Hummels estimated fair market value: $120.00, Hummels estimated fair market value: $1,163, Hummels estimated fair market value: $1,063.67, Hummels estimated fair market value: $913.67. Copies frequently use cheaper materials like chalk, plaster, or even plastic. PCGS | Dont fall for the sellers old tosh about protecting your privacy, its only their privacy they are concerned with not yours! Great job, Kevin. For me, uniform frames will never work. Dont assume the dealers COA or guarantee means anything and will be honored after you buy. Buying autographs on eBay is a great way to build a collection, and at the moment its still a buyers market, and with good knowledge (and with the use of a sniper!) Asking for Payment via Cash or Western Union is against eBay UK rules too, so avoid these sellers. 1) First, look for patterns and similarities across items. Best inscription (if any possible)/dedication/dated? We think you will find it an invaluable reference if you keep it by your computer, and I can guarantee that it will save you money! Hummel was personally attacked for her art. Start your free trial No credit card required Award-winning eSignature solution Send my document for signature Get your document eSigned by multiple recipients. Anonymous complaint sites are one of the primary tools the forgery industry uses to extract vengeance on the honest collectors,authenticatorsand dealerswhoexpose theircriminalactivity. Visit our website, www.cvtreasures.com, for an amazing selection of Historical Memorabilia including Rare Autographs, Autographed Sports Memorabilia, Historical Photos, Documents, Original Vintage Movie & Circus Posters,Artifacts and Antique Fine Art. With the career accolades starting to pile up, there has been an increased interest in Derek Jeter autographs. Since a seller of autograph forgeries can't honestly defend their products, the result is often vehement, personal attacks against those who question them. If and when inventory looks too common, like it could have been easily created or reproduced to dupe you, a red flag should go up. Factory control number a small 2-digit number hand-painted or incised used to signify who assembled the Hummel figurine. each letter are also missing, particularly how Sinatra uniquely made his "a" with an underlying loop. When speaking of her creative insight, her mother, Victoria Hummel, said a bunch of pretty flowers, a pleasing childs face, a beautiful evening mood, an autumnal forest. One of the best ways to find out about the reputation of a dealer is to ask other collectors and professionals in active autograph forums and communities like Autograph Liveand on Facebook and eBay. To check their sales go to 'Advanced Search' then 'Search by Seller' and remember to click on 'Include Completed Listings'. you can obtain some excellent bargains. This makes them extra valuable if presented in good condition. Start with buying from reputable dealers. These fake Verleihungsliste are so common that they have been assumed to be authentic with CoAs by people with no expertise in the field of wartime autographs. 12) The dealer has no real testimonials on their website or through a reputable independent review service (such as one approved by Google). Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. As you read through these warning signs, you will realize most of these signs apply to any genre of collecting, whether it be comic books, baseball cards or $50 million fine art. Avoid them. Variety of items (album, CD, booklet, ticket, flat, brochure/program). And ignore his stories about how he knows all the stars, has contacts within a club, or only buys from AFTAL or UACC dealers, its normally all just clap trap! Store Hours: If one ever does it will sell for many thousands of dollars, not $399 like this particular site sells them for. RED FLAG: It is common for sellers of autograph forgeries to consistently claim their autograph inventory was acquired from a deceased source, since such a claim cannot be verified. This guide can help you identify your Hummel figurine and its worth, however, its not exhaustive. Although a particular behavioral element may not always indicate dishonest intentions, there have been countless scenarios in my long collecting life that such behaviors have been consistent with suspicious autograph sellers. PSA | Yes, it is! As a result, the number of fakes has also increased. King James has taken the reigns as the top basketball player in the world.