Authenticity is Everything
Billie Holiday Autograph
I purchased this 78 vinyl record purportedly signed by Billie Holiday from an RACC trusted seller. I recently submitted the item to JSA for authentication, and unfortunately it did not pass.
I originally submitted it in person at a show here in CA a few weeks ago, and I was disappointed by how carelessly the item was handled during intake. When I received it back, there were fingerprints all over it. I contacted JSA immediately to report the condition, and they did expedite the review process.
Yesterday I received their letter confirming that the autograph did not pass authentication. I’m extremely disappointed and unsure what my next step should be, or if anyone here might be able to offer advice.
Prior to purchasing the item, I did my research and examined the signature characteristics—such as the looping of “Billie” and the shape of the “H” in “Holiday.” However, upon further inspection, the signature appears to have been written in ballpoint pen. Additionally, the Blue Ace label is known to be a bootleg label, and this particular pressing seems to have been released slightly before the time of her passing.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo
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Even if I saw other examples that do not exhibit the "o" and the "da" as shown I'd pass. I'd pass anyway, no matter the opinion or whose. The price was too low. It should have been certified. From the way they treated you I would stay away, far away.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Wolfson
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Yes, I’m disgusted with the seller.
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You should be - they mistreated you. I'd not buy that simply on principle at this point. Why did they not respond but banned you from the FB site? No way to treat a (potential) repeat customer. What was the accepted price BTW?
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$1,000 lol
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Permalink Reply by Findbooks
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Not sure which of us you are asking but if it were authenticated I would be no more attracted to it as I am now - problematic presentation being a key for me, personally. And my feelings about fluidity/slowness would remain.
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+1
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I took the opportunity to submit through VeriMarx. Please see attached. I can also e-mail you the full report. Given the analysis, it may actually be authentic, despite the scores. The scores are problematic due to the varied signature pressure as well as other forgery indicators. However, since this was signed on an album, those fluctuations would be expected.
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Thanks Dominick - I did Verimarx as well :)
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Excellent. I'm not a Billie Holiday expert...but given what's in the VeriMarx report and the overall appearance... Iike it.
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She had different variations, JSA possibly didn’t jive with.
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Whether they jibed or not look how they treated you. Why wasn't it certified. Why don't they follow RACC rules? What is the upside to all this?
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I'd not allow VeriMarx to influence you.
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