Should Experts Reveal Their Secret Tells?

It's happened more times working with experts than I can count. It goes like this:

"Ringo does this almost every time he signs, but the forgers almost never get it right. I'm telling you but don't publish it. I don't want the forgers to find out what they're doing wrong."
"See this same [signing characteristic] on all of these genuine Obamas? The forgers get it wrong almost every time. But don't put it in the article. We don't want the forgers to fix it."
"Most bad Armstrongs [signing characteristic]. But don't tell anyone. We don't want the forgers to know."

I understand why we don't want the forgers to get better. But I think there's nothing more important than making it as easy as possible for collectors to detect potential fakes themselves.

These "secret tells" will help collectors avoid buying forgeries in the first place, and give them a better chance of getting their money back if they've been cheated. And just as important, it will help identify the criminals forging and knowingly selling and authenticating forgeries.

The more victims, suspects and evidence we can gather for law enforcement; the better the chances of getting these criminals arrested, out of the hobby—and into a different line of work when they're out of prison. The timing is right—the authorities are listening more than ever.

So what do you think?

2 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by DB on March 22, 2011 at 4:11pm

I will.... Muuaahhh but of course we are back in 1958

Permalink Reply by Robert Zarrillo on March 23, 2011 at 12:16pm

If anyone's interested reading this - I'll be at both the Hollywood show in Chicago (Rosemont) this weekend and the Burbank show the weekend after that (April1-3). This is not a commerical plug - if you happen to be there please stop by - I'd love to discuss this further in person with any of you. Just look for the "ReelArt/StarMemories" booth or ask the show promoters where to find me.

Permalink Reply by Richard Kim on March 24, 2011 at 12:24pm

I am also going to be at the Hollywood Show Burbank next weekend - hope to see you then.

Permalink Reply by Louie reeves on March 29, 2011 at 3:41pm

You know with all the goofs they have made with the Hestons Lewis's and Stewarts and who knows what else? Do we really want them to tell us anything? The more the collectors on this site help each other out, we dont really need them, they are as they say shooting themselves in the foot! Maybe as more and more of their mistakes come to light they may start saying more.... but I wont hold my breath I want to live!!!

Permalink Reply by Robert Zarrillo on June 6, 2011 at 11:19am

What does one do with a signature obtained in person - but because it was rushed or the elements were a factor (wind for example) so that it "looks" like a forgery? I have one on eBay right now that a friend of mine got on a golf course and swears that he obtained it in person. Of course, the comments are starting to roll in. Any suggestions? I already added a comment to state that it probably could not be officially authenticated because of a few issues - which I pointed out. The only other option is to never try to sell it (of course).

Permalink Reply by Mr Zipper on June 6, 2011 at 11:44am

I think you just need to tell the truth (it's a sloppy in-person signature) and let the chips fall where they may. Chances are it simply won't draw as much interest as a standard typical signature.

Permalink Reply by Robert Zarrillo on June 7, 2011 at 9:05am

Thanks - thats what I tried to do

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Should Experts Reveal Their Secret Tells?

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