9 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin Certainly they must have receipts for some of their items. Value: Cut Signature - $3,500, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $75,000. 0 Comments Also, be sure to do your homework re prices as well. Use the My Signature tool to create your unique signature. Ebay sellers with fake or questionable items for sale. 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. 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. But there were plenty of other authenticators besides J. DiMaggio who came under investigation by the FBI. Learn how it works, always bid slightly higher than you are prepared to pay and use it to your advantage. Does it have any location stated at all? 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). 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! Besides the actual witnessing of an autograph. Terms of Service. Keep in mind, though, some fraudsters are very slick and polished. Facebook. 0 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin 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. Lawrence, KS 66044 Optimal contrast/placement? For example, one website that sells autographed movie posters always have plenty of, 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, In this image you see a PSA/DNA Certified genuine Frank Sinatra at the top and a blatant forgery on the bottom. It was at the convent that sister Hummel started drawing sweet children with rosy cheeks performing daily tasks. What are some signs a memorabilia dealer is signing fake autographs? For a good starting point, reference this Hummel Figurine Guide, but note that prices can vary widely depending on certain factors. 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. Hummel was personally attacked for her art. Some forums etc will suggest that you ask the seller some questions, but other than asking a seller about the size of the item etc, don't waste your time asking them about the authenticity of the signature, as this has got to the the most stupid question you could ask any dealer, good or bad! 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! It might be a hidden gem. 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). Another - if the sellers autographs have more in common with each other than other like examples encountered elsewhere you may well have a problem. Both the UACC and AFTAL have the ability to remove any listing from eBay. 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. Collectors.com | If the UACC bans you for selling forgeries, you will likely land on the UACC Hall of Shame list. For example, an opinion from one dealer may tick off another reputable dealer and result in a hostile reaction. If you can, compare your figurine to a verified original, to ensure their features are the same. That way if anything goes wrong you should get your money back, and in the case of PayPal it is a very easy thing to do. , bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth. Box 1691 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. Email : Click Here. M.I. How can I trust these sites if everything could be a fake? In the thousands of years following the debut of the world's first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only . The industry wide forgery containment value of 3. party authentication on the other hand, is undeniable. Many suspect dealers have an abundant supply of highly scarce items. 2) Next, consider the medium and whether or not a sellers inventory seems suspect. Ask the sellerif you can check out their eBay autographs for sale if you're not dealing with them there. King James has taken the reigns as the top basketball player in the world. Ask where they acquired itand for proof. If they are selling fakes, then they will tell you any lies they think necessary to convince you of just how genuine it is, and they certainly wont admit to selling fakes will they? We host our own online celebrity autographs auction! Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. With the career accolades starting to pile up, there has been an increased interest in Derek Jeter autographs. Is the COA issued by the seller? A real Madonna is a very rare thing indeed (ask any genuine dealer! Ebay will then give you a full list of all the items the seller has sold in the last 15 days. Dont assume the dealers COA or guarantee means anything and will be honored after you buy. 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! If youre looking for the best autographed Kansas Jayhawk memorabilia, contact Framewoods Gallery today. The only criteria to maintain membership is paying the membership fee (what does the BBB know about autographs?). If for any reason youre unhappy with the product please contact us: 1-800-399-5199 for return or exchange instructions. Many historic autograph dealers rarely use third-party authenticators, and some of dealers in entertainment autographs don't use them that much, but virtually all will give you a refund under the terms of their guarantee if the autograph fails an authenticator respected by the industry. This guide can help you identify your Hummel figurine and its worth, however, its not exhaustive. 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. Closing Bid: $100. 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. 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. Value: Mickey Mantle: Photo - $150, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $600 Ted Williams: Baseball - $350-500 Joe DiMaggio: Baseball - $300 4. @Dgoldfe13 said: When shopping for an autograph of the Great One, Upper Deck Authenticated items may be your safest bet as he's been with the company for a long time. Do a Google search for eBay sniper, there are loads available. Most auction companies organize collectible auctions, advertised to networks of knowledgeable collectors and traders. Complex figurines are made from up to 40 individual pieces, which are molded separately and joined later. Forget about any long term guarantee of authenticity if your autograph fails JSA or PSA/DNA after any return privilege. 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. The drawings represented her childhood in Bavariascenes of innocence and sincerity. So always look out for the PRIVATE auction warning at the bottom of every eBay listing, and if you see it, avoid it. While most Hummels go for $50, some of them are worth a few hundred dollars, and rare Hummels can sell for up to 5-figures during auctions. Hopefully this will give you the insight you need to avoid a costly, painful experience. 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! A COA is just an opinion or represents provenance. Some websites post fake testimonials which usually have some initials and very generic info like a state. And most, if not all of the time a suspicious autograph seller will have more than one conflict within these guidelines/examples.. Oftentimes, however, forgers will use modern fountain pens to create a signature that looks vintage. A full bee is typically depicted in older models, and the image pays homage to Hummel, whose name means bumblebee in German. ), Elvis will cost you 700 plus minimum, and a simple signature of Churchill would set you back around 700 upwards, so forget about that 50 signed colour photo with loads of provenance that looks a bargain! Fax: (785) 842-4917 They seem to have an unlimited supply of extremely rare autographed items. Look closely again at the one above and you'll begin to see many more flaws than you did before. 3) Thirdly, if an autograph is supposed to be from a long, long time ago, it should have a distinctive and natural look to it. But what is. What information should I include when listing an autograph? 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. Ask around about the seller (but don't ask them! Two children peek over a fence, watching a beautiful swan and it goslings. Ask others about any dealer that has something you want. 0 Comments If a certain sportsman's autograph is going for $500 on several eBay items, but a memorabilia dealer is offering his autographed items for $200, something's fishy. Their founder is one of the leaders of the RACC group, one of the largest groups of autograph collectors. I have been the UACC ethics board member for the UK and Vice Chairman of AFTAL, work with both Trading Standards and the Police on fraud cases, have written a number of articles on fakes and how to avoid them, advised TV's ' The Real Hustle' and 'Inside Out' as well as 'Fake Britain' 'Pawn Stars UK' and 'Posh Pawn'. If your figurine is made out of plastic, its not a genuine Hummel. 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. If the seller has Madonna, Churchill, Elvis, etc all listed at the same time, and below their true market value, then they are likely to be fake, so you know what to do! For example, the head is turned to the other side, the facial expression is different, or a patch of grass is missing. Fall for this one, and its odds on that you will be buying fakes, forgeries or just plain rubbish. Here's who eBay recommends: https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/using-authentication-grading-services?id=4659. The seller, who's eBay is screenshotted below, uses the handle . The truth is that some of these 'sellers' have been refused membership or have already been thrown out! For example, Adventure Bound is #347. 100% customer satisfaction. Even though Ali has been somewhat of a prolific signer in the past, the number of authentic Ali autographs fresh to the marketplace has decreased in recent years. Autograph Live: It's easy to add a musician-direct sales notice as a discussion. These sites are flooded with fakes,, malicious reviews. Or natural characteristics in certain letters may be missing or unnatural. These sites will take ANY reports form an anonymous source and do NO identity verification. Each figure depicts the students standing together with their school supplies. Terms Of Service COA's are only as good as the person who issued it, and if they are not around, or can't be found, then its just a worthless piece of paper! Buyers are often concerned about leaving a negative feedback, so instead leave a negative comment as a positive feedback. Fake Hummels are usually colored similarly, but not quite the same, making it easy to spot a reproduction. HELLO!! Most will try to convince you that industry-recognized third-party authentication services are not credible. Avoid them. Once youre sure of the type, authenticity, and you have a ballpark of its worth, its time to make some cash. 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. 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. Collectors Corner | Value: Cut Signature - $125, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $350. If you live in a major city they may go to a local show or it can be done by mail as well. But what is more exciting than owning a genuine historical artifact right from the hand of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Babe Ruth, John Wayneor any other major cultural icon? The color palette can be recognized across genuine Hummel figurines. Toll Free: 1-800-399-5199 Great Stuff. FAQ But they are the best autograph-related organization that I know of that does take action against members that they find selling forgeries. A forger will not only fake the COA and the signature, but the story to back it all up as well. Look out also for negative comments left as a positive. Finally, every genre of collecting or investment has risks (none more than the stock market!). Finally, real Goebel-made Hummels use a specific color palette defined by Maria Innocentia herself. Powered by, Badges | Fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt? They change their name normally because they have had some bad press somewhere (such as on the isitreal.com) and so change it to try and hide. Figurines produced in different sizes, also have designators appended to the HUM. 0 Likes, 2023 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin. 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. True Legacy Homes can help you identify and appraise Hummel figurines and other valuable items in your estate. I also have a Tyrone Power 8 x 10 autographed photo that was personalized to my mother in the 1940's. You can get an idea for the true value for most pieces by doing some research. An unethical dealer engaged in selling autograph forgeries will probably not have real provenance or proof of purchase for items you sample from their inventory. 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. They are mostly used by malicious competitors andsellers of forgeries to damage the reputation of reputable dealers and members of the autograph field. Because Ars Sacra was the first company to publish M.I. All positive feedback is not always positive comment! At the same time, the sometimes volatile competence of 3, party authenticators is a legitimate debate that will live on, hopefully for the betterment of the industry. 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. We have enough of that to go around. I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? There is very high demand for the signature from the late Yankees hero and there's a large volume of forgeries. So much can be said and attraction added by the right mats and frames. 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. Thanks for your help JBK. Cross-referencing the HUM number online will easily tell you the name of the figurine and give you additional information about it. Most legitimate dealers also sell on eBay. 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. Best condition possible (considering above etc.)? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2008-2023 The Cardboard Connection. 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. 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. 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. 9) Images of autographs they're selling aren't big enough to get a close look. There was a mountain of paper work. 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! In its report, PSA/DNA also points out that not all fake autographs were created with the intent to defraud people. Interested in autographs? 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. This time around, PSA has grouped three of baseball's biggest stars and prolific signers together. then I believe this guide will help you avoid the very many sellers of fake Autographs on eBay and elsewhere. Sadly, the hobby has several people who knowingly defraud their customers by forging autographs of some of the biggest names in sports. 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. That in and of itself does NOT always mean the dealer is dishonest and/or selling forgeries. I Google for other things, not additional opinions and claims from faceless folk. Its 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. 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. I assume that Beckett is on that list of top COA's. I know UD originated a lot of sports autos so I would trust them, and probably the same for Topps. Hummel and her darling figurines. What Is An Estate Sale (And How Do They Work?). This is the best and most detailed summation of how forgery sellers behave I have ever seen. Suffice to say, if you have a TMK-2 or a TMK-3, your Hummel is older and worth more. Conceived by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummela prolific German artist and Franciscan nunthe first figurines were produced by Franz Goebel in 1935. For instance, it can be easy to forge signatures on easy to create mediums such as photos, programs, books and pieces of paper. 2) The seller does not issue a COA and claims they are worthless. Disagree with previous two to a degree. Value: Cut Signature - $3,000, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $60,000. A blatantly dishonest dealer will surely fail several of the above tests. Note the ink of the forgery. How can I trust these sites if everything could be a fake? Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. If the Hummel figurines are part of an estate that you inherited or need to clear, consider organizing an estate sale. 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. Each list was prepared by the experts at PSA/DNA, based on our observations in 2012. This article copyright 2013 updated slightly in 2023 by Garry King. Most have the same information such as "if it's too good to be true it probably is," and recommend comparing the autograph to known exemplars, secretarials, autopens and other references. Frequency of items with comparable presentation/condition? What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are fake.. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) & PSA/ DNA are divisions of Collectors Universe, Inc. Small? What are the chances of receiving a fake? Not at all and fairly high. 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 . With all the work that goes into making these figurines, its no wonder that theyre so highly prized. 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. Take anonymous complaints or complaints from people using fictitious names with a grain of salt. Be on guard of folks who mix certified and other material from the same celebrity. 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. CU | And as mentioned before, ask the seller if they are a member of an organization like the UACC and listen for their reaction. Quite different from ink that has aged over a 50 year period. Now I realize that there are reputable dealers who may fail one of the above tests. Yes? Recent auction/sale results for like material? What are the chances of receiving a fake? You are always helpful. However, this particular seller seems to have an unlimited supply. In addition to the pieces made during World War II, Asian manufacturers have flooded the market with copies and reproductions, which are worth considerably less. Factory control number a small 2-digit number hand-painted or incised used to signify who assembled the Hummel figurine. Look for the typical behavior of someone engaged in illicit activity. Dont fall for the sellers old tosh about protecting your privacy, its only their privacy they are concerned with not yours! This has become a very gray area on the internet. How does this fit in with other items I have collected using similar criterion? Some of this is unavoidable - minor smudges happen). I understand the "risk" of purchasing a fake with a fake COA. There are more specialized websites focusing on antiques and collectibles of value, like Ruby Lane. Buy items that come authenticated from companies like PSA/DNA, JSA or Steiner -- companies with longstanding histories in the hobby. I don't know anything about the others. I don't know how that one was obtained so i don't know if the signature is genuine or a secretary signature. The very same certified item with the same number can be had in some cases for $200-$1000 less or close to it on a website compared to eBay and other cluster venues that pool items they don't actually have. 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. The market will not allow this to happen. Of course, the most obvious options to consider are popular online marketplaces, like Craigslist and eBay. Today, are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble. Be also aware of sellers who have made up their own 'Autograph Association' The International Autograph Federation, the Universal Autograph Collectors Association etc are just made up names to try and impress buyers, but they don't actually exist or have any members! 0 Likes, by Marvin Gee If you believe you have an extraordinary example, its best to contact experts in antiques and collectibles. 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. You can see where the forger is tracing slowly at the beginning so the ink is applied heavily in the first few letters. each letter are also missing, particularly how Sinatra uniquely made his "a" with an underlying loop. Asking for Payment via Cash or Western Union is against eBay UK rules too, so avoid these sellers. The signs below are mostly from personal experiences over my 30 years of collecting. (A, B or C example?). He has had a deal with Upper Deck for more than a decade. 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. I am trying to authenticate a few autographs and I have lost faith in psa they just ripped you off. Value: Cut Signature - $175, High-Grade Signed Basketball - $600. The glazed blanks are finely painted using a palette of more than 200 colors, all handpicked by Maria Innocentia Hummel way back in the 1930s. As always, be careful and look for warning flags. 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. PSE | Autographs are commonly sold with Certificates of Authenticity (COA) or letters of authenticity (LOAs). Agree with Steve, as well as all those framing options. They are fairly new, but picking up very quickly. Zack Dickerson (ID 24640) Zack, A great place to start would be to submit them to PSA/JSA or another well-regarded authenticator. Anonymous complaint sites are one of the primary tools the forgery industry uses to extract vengeance on the honest collectors,authenticatorsand dealerswhoexpose theircriminalactivity. The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. I just stumbled across a dirt bag on eBay and as many of you will see right off the bat, as I did, he is selling a number of fake autographed items with "COAs" from at least 6 bogus companies. Goebel decided to render Hummels drawings as porcelain figurines. We are wondering what it might be worth. As a result, the number of fakes has also increased. COA's. Latest Activity: Apr 5, 2022. Turn the document into a dynamic PDF with fillable fields. To check their sales go to 'Advanced Search' then 'Search by Seller' and remember to click on 'Include Completed Listings'. One example of this would be a Harrison Ford autograph. If someone is offering you an extremely cheap autograph, they could be out to make a quick buck. That in and of itself does NOT always mean the dealer is dishonest and/or selling forgeries. 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!) title 22 child care nap time,
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