Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 31, 2019 at 2:33pm

I would avoid anything with a Gridiron Authentics history unless you're absolutely sure it's real and it's extremely cheap.

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Permalink Reply by Alex K on January 31, 2019 at 3:50pm

That’s why I’m asking here :)

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Permalink Reply by Steve on January 31, 2019 at 5:52pm

The problem with Bird is that he has simplified his signature so much that it has become very easy to forge.  I agree with Steve, I would avoid anything even remotely close to Gridiron Authentics.  They used to claim that they had private signing with high end athletes, they didn’t.  They went to shows and took a picture and claimed it was from their private signing.  I personally talked to several athletes and agents who told me that they never had anything to do with Gridiron and all items with their signature were fake.  Bird had a contract with Upper Deck, then Schwartz Sports. 

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Permalink Reply by Alex K on January 31, 2019 at 6:55pm

Thanks for the reply Steve, might give this one a skip then even if it is super cheap.

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Permalink Reply by James on January 31, 2019 at 6:27pm

That’s not a bad fake, except it looks like Larry is spelled Lary.

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Permalink Reply by Alex K on January 31, 2019 at 6:55pm

so it’s a fake in your opinion?

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Permalink Reply by James on January 31, 2019 at 8:22pm

To be honest, if Larry wasn’t missing an r, I might be fooled by this.  However, I usually see Larry with two r’s as there should be.  But as Steve mentioned above, some forgers have gotten pretty good at forging Bird’s autograph.  I would probably just heed the advice of Steve C. and Steve, and avoid Gridiron.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on January 31, 2019 at 9:20pm

I wouldn’t even worry about the missing r.  Many years ago Bird started signing his first name Lay. He was completely leaving out both r’s.  That is why it got so easy to duplicate his name.  

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Permalink Reply by Alex K on January 31, 2019 at 9:51pm

Thanks for the input guys, happy to hear other people’s opinions but at this stage I might give it a skip, just not worth the risk even if it is dirt cheap.

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Permalink Reply by Rfitzz on February 1, 2019 at 9:53am

I have to say, this actually looks pretty good.  I have several "in person" Bird autographs, some with the "R" and some without.  I would guess the timeframe and circumstances of the signing would impact that.  It is suspect that the photo shows him to be in a relaxed, seated state in the photo signing this.  Having said this, I know nothing about Gridiron but based on others' opinions, you may want to avoid.  Here is one of mine from a standing, handheld signing position...although it has many of the same characteristics of the OP...it was done under different circumstances.  This was signed early to mid 90's. Good luck, hope it helps.

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Permalink Reply by Alex K on February 1, 2019 at 1:31pm

Thanks Rfitzz, I believe you helped me out on here with another signed Bird jersey a few months ago that was PSA verified.

It does look really good compared to your examples and the only reasons I was considering it was not only because of how accurate it looks but because of the round silver LB authenticated hologram, which I am told is added by him in person and is only really available through signing companies he has deals with. Can you comment on that by any chance?

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Permalink Reply by Rfitzz on February 1, 2019 at 1:41pm

I can't speak to the authenticated hologram, my only interactions with him have been in person and not at any official signings.  Sorry.  I would go more on whether or not you can trust Gridiron.  Only others can speak to that.  The good news is:  Bird has signed many, many items over the years and shouldn't be difficult to get.  If it's at all "questionable", I would move on and find a guaranteed signature.  Good Luck.

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