She was so prolific in her drawings, new figurines continued to be produced long after her death. They have up to 10 experts look at each submitted autograph and the nice thing is every submission that passes has a picture of the item online (regardless of if you get an LOA). I am trying to authenticate a few autographs and I have lost faith in psa they just ripped you off. Stay up to date on all the latest sports card and memorabilia news, articles, and products by subscribing to our newsletter below: Is a MVP with a number and a certificate of authenticity real or traceable? Although a dealer in historical autographs can probably get Lincoln fairly quickly. Lawrence, KS 66044 If the seller does not or will not accept either, and you have any doubts about the seller, then don't bid. I am relatively new to this autograph game but, I know that PSA/DNA, JSA are the top COA's (I haven't read about scandals). Here are some others that I COA's that I picked up from What are the following's trust level and are there others that are quality? Authentic signatures from the influential slugger command huge money on the secondary market. Joe DiMaggio: Baseball - $300. For instance, if you look at different items from different people yet the signature, type of pen used, and/or medium used all look remarkably similar, then somethings fishy. The drawings represented her childhood in Bavariascenes of innocence and sincerity. Value: Cut Signature - $250, High-Grade Signed Golf Flag - $1,500. Fax: (785) 842-4917 A credible affiliation is an organization that holds their members accountable. Like Jordan, Woods and Gretzky, LeBron James currently has an exclusive deal with Upper Deck. Only 2,500 of these were produced, which is the main price- forming factor. I also attended the very first eBay University here in the UK, and was even trained by eBay as an eBay Education Specialist, and have given tuition to dozens of people on eBay to both buy and sell, and expand their business, so when it comes to eBay and autographs I believe I know what I am talking about! I have only a small number of autographs, none of them sports stars, most of which were signed in person, so I have no doubt about their authenticity. So if you Google my business name you will see a couple of his fake reviews about a fake John Hancock letter he says he bought from me. You can go to UACC.ORG to see the directory of active UACC Registered Dealers. For example, an opinion from one dealer may tick off another reputable dealer and result in a hostile reaction. NOTE: Be wary of many of today's complaint websites like RipoffReport.com and PissedConsumer.com. Autograph Report Made Easy Get rid of paperwork and automate document processing for more efficiency and endless possibilities. 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". The Goebel company carefully controls the production process in order to ensure that a Hummel figurine made in 2010 is exactly the same as one made in 1950. Just in case you are one of those who are only going to read the first few paragraph's, here are the facts on COA's. I have a bunch of personally watched, met, and signed autos from athletes that I got COA's for from Beckett. We have enough of that to go around. Here's who eBay recommends: https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/using-authentication-grading-services?id=4659. If the UACC bans you for selling forgeries, you will likely land on the UACC Hall of Shame list. You are always helpful. Disagree with previous two to a degree. Happy customers leave real testimonials in their realnames. 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. I have seen dealers on eBay (and other sites) selling his autograph for $49 and sometimes with the 'make an offer' option on top of that ridiculous price. Agree 100%. 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. Why? Excellent material to the right seller needs no papers. Is that terrible? Why would the autograph of one man look just like that of another? This is the safest place to look for real pieces. Here is a list of known bad COAs: https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/autographed-items-policy?id=4283 (click the '+'s to expand). Value: Don't take risks with your money, if an item seems too good to be true, then you can be pretty damn sure that its a fake, if in doubt, then don't! Those aren't only scarce, a genuine Brando-signed Godfather poster has never appeared in the market. Take a good look at the sellers feedback history, go back a good few pages, see what sort of feedback they give buyers too, see if you can see any kind of patterns. A HUGE red flag is a seller of elaborately framed memorabilia, but no close-up images of the actual autograph. Not just photos and signed pieces of paper, but mediums that are highly unlikely to be forged, including personal checks, contracts, letters (especially on celebrity stationery), official documents like presidential appointments, etc. While it receives less traffic, visitors are more targeted and likely to treat your Hummel figurines appropriately. The only criteria to maintain membership is paying the membership fee (what does the BBB know about autographs?). Forget about any COA, an item is either real or its fake, and no amount of classy COA with triple holograms, a wax seal, fancy ribbon, DNA, or nice paper will make a poor fake into a genuine bargain. If the dealer can get such a rare autograph quickly, it's probably being made to order. All Rights Reserved, Top 10 Most Forged Sports Memorabilia Signatures, 3. Cross-referencing the HUM number online will easily tell you the name of the figurine and give you additional information about it. It has an unnatural, freshly signed look to it with no aging at all. It shouldn't be surprising that a Patek Philippe holds the world auction record for a watch ($31.2 million for a Patek Grandmaster Chime, sold at Christie's).Known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, the brand is considered by many to be the height of fine watchmaking.Collectors simply love Patek Philippe watches. These porcelain figurines embody the simple beauty of the early 20th century Bavarian countryside. Ask where they acquired itand for proof. And while he signed a lot of stuff while he was alive, an astounding number of forgeries have seeped onto the market over the years. 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. 11) Ask the seller if they will refund your money in full if it fails to pass PSA/DNA or JSABEFORE you buy. Autograph Live: It's easy to post discussions with photos! MySpace 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. I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? Also, be very picky about letters of authenticity. 100% customer satisfaction. Produced for the 25th anniversary of the Hummel figurine, Ring Around the Rosie depicts four little girls holding hands and playing in a circle. This happened to me. In other words, prove the seller to be genuine first, rather than the item. 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. Its even more valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines. 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. PSA | HELLO!! Nobody can prove who really produced the Beswick figurines, but this is the magic of the collector market. Where you say "Google the dealer"This has become a very gray area on the internet. I also recommend if you do not know of a seller or a specific item, post it here for opinionsbefore you buy. Since a seller of autograph forgeries can't honestly defend their products, the result is often vehement, personal attacks against those who question them. These numbers are usually cast with the figurine or incised in the soft porcelain, so they are a permanent identification feature. Whenever possible, ask a reputable dealer or experienced collector for an opinion on the autograph you're considering, and even better, other autographs the seller is offering. 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. Is it hostile? Now I realize that there are reputable dealers who may fail one of the above tests. Fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt? Unless you can be 100% certain, stay away from sellers in far off lands, chances are you will also end up being stung for import duty and VAT on fake items from a seller you will never get a refund from. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest (and most popular) hockey player of all-time. What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are fake.. Toll Free: 1-800-399-5199 Spotting fakes is a very difficult task that requires many years of experience, however, spotting the sellers of fakes is much easier, and this is what you should concentrate on.Remember this. It's only $10 for autographs on eBay and $15 for auctions off of eBay. The following article was written and published on eBay some years ago by myself, and was read by over 90,000 people on eBay alone! Members: 88. They are fairly new, but picking up very quickly. 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. Ink damaged/scratched/smudged? One such instance is the use of secretaries and paid assistants over the years. (A, B or C example?). I also ran the 'Autographica' and UACC events in London, although I sold my share in that part of the business some years ago. It's even more valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines. The first thing you need to do is look for the Goebel trademark, also known as a TMK, at the bottom of your Hummel figurine. 1) First, look for patterns and similarities across items. In other words, read the pages on eBay about how the proxy bidding system can work for you. Such institutions include the UACC (the largest oldest autograph collecting organization - since 1965), and independent third-party authentication services like JSA and PSA/DNA or recognized specialist authenticators. It's the same for a regular UACC members, but it's much less common for them to find out if someone's selling forgeries. Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. From the master, copies were produced, molding numerous figurine parts using liquid ceramic. A brief guide on how to autograph company field in minutes. The world's most valuable autographs - and how to spot a fake Share the love Most Popular Features The world's richest families, and how they got rich Features The world's richest actors might not be who you expect Features The one man richer than Elon Musk, and his luxury life Features 15 countries that have cashed in on the war in Ukraine 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. then you probably have a fake as very few genuine dealers would leave these details off. This time around, PSA has grouped three of baseball's biggest stars and prolific signers together. If someone is offering you an extremely cheap autograph, they could be out to make a quick buck. Because such independent analysis can expose fraudulent autograph sellers. But they are the best autograph-related organization that I know of that does take action against members that they find selling forgeries. Likewise, if a genuine signed John Wayne, Frank Sinatra or Judy Garland photo was being offered for $299, it would be purchased immediately. Sometimes memorabilia dealers sell fake autographs! then it is probably very little use, as the third party issuer certainly won't refund your money if it turns out to be no good! Each figure depicts the students standing together with their school supplies. The industry wide forgery containment value of 3. party authentication on the other hand, is undeniable. I don't know how that one was obtained so i don't know if the signature is genuine or a secretary signature. These figurines display a group of school boys and a group of school girls, respectively. PS - This all reduces yet again to education - and tuition need not be costly. Box 1691 Autographs are commonly sold with Certificates of Authenticity (COA) or letters of authenticity (LOAs). I have never even owned a John Hancock, ever. However, this particular seller seems to have an unlimited supply. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) & PSA/ DNA are divisions of Collectors Universe, Inc. It is the provenance of the seller you should always check, and ignore the provenance regarding the item itself. If advertised properly, the Hummel figurines can be the main selling point of the event and attract collectors who might buy other items as well. Ted Williams: Baseball - $350-500 It the item is too big? If the autographs sell for $50 or $100 or lower than their general value, you'd best look for other autograph dealers online. Another good rule to go by (but not foolproof) is that if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Check any COA for the sellers full contact details, is it only an eBay ID and an email address? Once youre sure of the type, authenticity, and you have a ballpark of its worth, its time to make some cash. In the early 1930s, Hummels drawings were published as postcards by Munich-based publisher Ars Sacra. Comparison to similar for quality - mediocre or exceptional? Even though Tiger's popularity as an athlete and person has taken a serious hit in the last couple of years, he remains on the list of the most dangerous autographs. This has become a very gray area on the internet. I need to note that there are exceptions. Covid Policy, TRUE LEGACY You can see where the forger is tracing slowly at the beginning so the ink is applied heavily in the first few letters. P.O. 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. Also, these steps are not "set in stone". Like most forgers, this one doesn't risk adding more evidence of his handiwork by adding an inscription. Hummel and her darling figurines. We have a Harlem Globetrotters admission ticket from the mid 1960s signed by a Satchel Paige. Learn how to bid. Certainly they must have receipts for some of their items. Yellow Gold Curved Link Bracelet, 18k Textured Scales. well what use is the COA then when you find out your item is fake? These can be sold individually or as a set. 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. Now if that is not cheating, I dont know what is. Quick Links: I hope someone answers your question. Conceived by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummela prolific German artist and Franciscan nunthe first figurines were produced by Franz Goebel in 1935. Check the category its listed in, read the wording carefully and check the feedback, others may have spotted the truth! A real Madonna is a very rare thing indeed (ask any genuine dealer! I understand the "risk" of purchasing a fake with a fake COA. If it says Fastest shipper on eBay or similar where it should say the location, I would be very careful, (trying to hide the location is actually against eBay rules). CU | exciting than owning a genuine historical artifact right from the hand of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Babe Ruth, John Wayneor any other major cultural icon? Eventually, it would become clear the same person was likely manufacturing most orall of them. Finally, every genre of collecting or investment has risks (none more than the stock market!). The color palette can be recognized across genuine Hummel figurines. And most, if not all of the time a suspicious autograph seller will have more than one conflict within these guidelines/examples..The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. Hummels signature. So much can be said and attraction added by the right mats and frames. Also, look at how unnatural the "Fr" connection is in the Frank forgery. They may be unknown in the autograph community or have burned their reputation in it. So feedback generally means nothing. But if its fake, then its fake, and it will always be fake! A COA is only as good as the issuer. Besides the actual witnessing of an autograph. 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. After Hummels death in 1946, this right was transferred to an Artistic Board of the Sisters of Siessen, who continue to closely guard Hummels philosophy and artistic style to this day. 0 Comments VINCENT PRICE. While these websites get millions of visitors every day, buyers are often looking for cheap deals and may not be collectors willing to pay what your figurine is worth. You will often find these sellers have changed the ID many times too, just click on their feedback number and then click ID History to check. This piece was produced in 1000 units, which makes it an extremely rare Hummel figurine. As a matter of fact, you will probably hear the typical autograph forgery seller malign ANY institution that has been specifically established to educate or protect collectors. One of the most popular Hummel figurines is Adventure Bound. The scene depicts six characters, equipped with a large spear and a lantern, venturing into the world. Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. I assume that Beckett is on that list of top COA's. 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. These sites are flooded with fakes,, malicious reviews. If you are a member of the UACC Registered Dealer Program and they find that you are knowing selling fake autographs, you will be banned. Just wanted to add Autograph COA (ACOA) to this list. The forgers come out. Start with buying from reputable dealers. An authentic Jimi Hendrix signature can easily fetch a whopping $9,000 and an authentic Marilyn Monroe autograph is at least $800. Decoration designator usually appended after the HUM/size number and painted or stamped. The item I buy has a COA come with it. Autographs of Morrison, John Lennon (or anything with all four Beatles), Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, John Bonham (or anything with all four members of Led Zeppelin) are all very rare. Obviously, the latter are more valuable. 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. Agree with Steve, as well as all those framing options. Some websites post fake testimonials which usually have some initials and very generic info like a state. Value: Cut Signature - $3,000, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $60,000. Kevin Conway Conway's Vintage Treasures UACC Dealer No 307 LAMP Approved Dealer www.cvtreasures.com. 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. 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. The Hummel figurines were banned in Germany and Goebel was forced to cease production. Note the ink of the forgery. Fake autographs are worthless. Avoid, or at the very least check out, the sellers who make excessive claims as to where they obtain their stock from etc. 0 Comments But some dealers have a huge amount of negative, often warning others about the fakes they sell etc, but still people bid on their items. Ask the sellerif you can check out their eBay autographs for sale if you're not dealing with them there. I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? APOLLO 11 * PSA * Autograph Vintage 1969 Crew Signed Neil Armstrong Buzz Aldrin $3,350.00 JOHN F. KENNEDY * PSA/DNA * Signed ASK NOT Speech Autograph 2 Days Before Death $12,495.00 John F. Kennedy Signed US Senate Letter 1953 JFK Autographed JSA LOA $2,999.99 John F. Kennedy ~ Signed Autographed 1954 Letter w/ Full Signature ~ JSA LOA $3,495.00 It doesnt need to be exactly the same figurines. This is a good question. Leading the way, once again, is Babe Ruth. Here is the complete list of most dangerous sports autographs from PSA/DNA. Some of the early models (tmk-1, tmk-2, and tmk-3) are among the highest-priced Hummel figurines ever. There is one seller on eBay right now that claims to be a leading light in the "in person" autograph collecting field, but ask any of the well known in person autograph collectors, and they will all tell you they have never heard of him! For example, a "Rat Pack signed photo, a George Reeves as Superman signed photo,a Marilyn Monroe signed photo or an Abraham Lincoln signature. To check their sales simply go to the left hand column and tick the SOLD box, and hey presto you will then see a full list of their past sales. FAQ Thanks for your help JBK. Its a 1 4 digit number that identifies its model. 0 Likes, 2023 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin. The truth is that some of these 'sellers' have been refused membership or have already been thrown out! 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. For a good starting point, reference this Hummel Figurine Guide, but note that prices can vary widely depending on certain factors. 5) They don't have autographs for sale on eBay. This is where history ends. Even on the extremely rare chancean unknowledgeable seller offered one for such a low cost, it would not last a day. These figurines are made out of plaster-like material and usually feature a copyright date, B. However, there is no one that loathes the 3rdparty authentication services more than the forgery industry, for obvious reasons. For obvious reasons, suspicious sellers have an aversion to reputable independent authentication. Ask around about the seller (but don't ask them! Why? I think what they meant was, it warned too many people about the problems of buying on eBay! If the dealer displays a hostile reaction to opinions from other dealers or authentication services, such defensive behavior (in my own personal experience) often signals a dealer with something to hide. Get it in writing. But I guess, how high can the risk be through these supposedly "legit" retailers? As a result, the number of fakes has also increased. By that time, Dr. Herbert Dubler and Ars Sacra had already established a New York-based distribution company. 9) Images of autographs they're selling aren't big enough to get a close look. An authentic Ford photo would sell starting at $300-$500 depending on the pose. The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. 0 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin And remember, that just because a seller has 1000+ positive feedbacks he need not be a really good seller! What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are 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. Locations I use bidnapper.com but there are plenty of others. Most legitimate dealers also sell on eBay. Is the autograph lost, or overpowering? Hopefully, this article has been a good introduction to the world of M.I. 6 members like this. 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. And most, if not all of the time a suspicious autograph seller will have more than one conflict within these guidelines/examples.. But you wouldn't know it from the inventories of certain stores out there. I hope the above has been of some use to you. This is what happens when you come between bad guys and their money. then I believe this guide will help you avoid the very many sellers of fake Autographs on eBay and elsewhere. A pristine figurine in its original box can be worth 10 times more than the same model without its packaging. If the seller wants you to pay in cash or Via Western Union or similar, and won't accept PayPal or a credit card then run away. Virtually all credible authenticators and dealerswho have rejected fakes or exposed fake sellers have phony complaints, Steve Vai - Where The Wild Things Are DVD. Each Goebel-produced figurine is stamped with the company logo. 0 Likes, by Marvin Gee Pure fabricated trash. The item I buy has a COA come with it. Look for any odd hues and shades on your figurine. by Peter C. Of course, the most obvious options to consider are popular online marketplaces, like Craigslist and eBay. With all the work that goes into making these figurines, its no wonder that theyre so highly prized. Small? However, when the Beswick company was later bought, no documentation, molds, or references for the Hummel figurines were discovered.