How to Reseach provenance

Is it normal for there to be so much secrecy or reluctance regarding information an item?

There is an item that has been popping up online for a few years and there have been copies made of it to be resold.

I would like to research the origins of the genuine item. I'm having trouble, confirming things.

The item in question, if it exists, has had a number of owners and is currently residing with a well-known collector, so I'm told. But whom likes to remain private.

I don't need the name of the owner, but I would like to know more about the history of the item. How it came to market in the first place and when. Provenance.

Any advice?

Doris

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on August 3, 2020 at 12:37pm

"...Is it normal for there to be so much secrecy or reluctance regarding information an item?..."

Well, you won't say what the item even is yourself so...maybe!

Just kidding :)

From your PM it sounds like a Freddie Mercury letter?

Will answer your PM soon.

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Permalink Reply by Doris Gilbert on August 3, 2020 at 2:19pm

Well, just trying to be diplomatic on a public board. I don't want to seem like I was calling anyone out. I'm genuinely new to this and trying to learn. This was more a general question about what is typical in this collecting world.

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Permalink Reply by Innuendo on August 3, 2020 at 1:07pm

You're still after the Jim Hutton thing? Everyone I know has been asked and they're all just saying some Italian collector has the original but doesn't want his or her info out there and they don't wish to be contacted. I only know of 2 big time collectors in Italy and neither of them have it to my knowledge. If Pete never had it, and you can't contact whoever the Italian collector is, I think the ship of finding out more about the original has sailed. I'm not sure why, but it had been reprinted like mad over last few years and sold for novelty pieces on ebay so nobody can claim to have the original without solid proof. So it's not an item to buy, but you've told me you're not looking to buy it, you just want to know or prove it's real. You've told me about the people who seem to hate Jim online and want to prove its fake to "prove" Freddie didn't love him or whatever their issue is with Jim but if you've contacted the Hutton estate, Pete and can't get ahold of the Italian collector, then I think you're out of options.

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Permalink Reply by Doris Gilbert on August 3, 2020 at 2:14pm

No, I would buy it. I am in the market for something special, but with this situation, I realize I need to learn a lot more before I plunk down a thousand+ on an item.

I suppose this search has also is part of how I’m trying to learn. When the time comes, I suppose being good at research may help in the end.

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Permalink Reply by Innuendo on August 3, 2020 at 2:38pm

Definitely. Sorry I couldn't be more help in finding this letter for you. Although (and I know you're tired of me telling you about the auction houses) I have seen some notes and lyrics sold via the high rep houses we discussed, so fear not. A special item along the lines of the letter is absolutely obtainable.