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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Here is a very rough mock-up:
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This opposing "o" and "d" can be seen in every "legible" example at RR - 3 pages.
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Examples that Gabe at Schubertiade has or had also show this opposition. RecordMecca too. Gary at Classic Entertainment as well.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Wolfson
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Thank you. I appreciate your insight. Looking fwd to Eddie’s opinion as well
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One thing I have noticed is the relationship between the "o" and the "da" in "Holiday." There is a lean to the right on the last two letters and sometimes downward compression too on the "d" esp - sometimes the "o" is even vertical or more to the left - a good example is the Zane I posted yesterday where the "o" and "d" are opposing, or the book page posted today. I see this in many examples at RR. I don't see this in the OP - there the "da" seems to parrot the "o." I will look at more. I agree with Findbooks that is an odd placement for the "oliday."
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Every photo in this thread as well as the document I posted all show the same relationship. I am reminded of the first and second "a's" in "Jackie Gleason."
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She had different t variations of her signature. What is OP and RR?
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"OP" is "original post," and RR is "Rare and Remarkable Auctions in NH." Everyone has variations in their signature and some things that remain the same most times. I have identified something seen in the 30's and the 50's but not present in your example. I will look at more.
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I’m obviously not an autograph expert. Are you confident this is a fake?
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I am making observations. If I were collecting her autograph I would try to know as much as possible before purchase. I am just trying to help you. One can't learn any signature in a day. Maybe Findbooks will have additional comments.
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Yes, I truly appreciate your help. I’m not sure whether it’s worth getting another opinion from PSA or Beckett. My father was a well-known photographer, and over the years I’ve seen many autographs. Much of his original work was certified by JSA.
I guess I’m just having a hard time accepting all the hesitation surrounding this signature, and I’d be extremely disappointed if it does turn out to be fake. The Facebook group didn’t really help the situation either. I’m certainly no expert, so I do respect everyone’s opinions.
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This name will always invite scrutiny. Just like the others I mentioned - Leigh, Lugosi, Garland, Harlow etc.
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