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Authenticity is Everything
Bob Dylan poem
Hello! Would love opinions on the authenticity of the Bob Dylan poem and signature. I would love to get it encapsulated by PSA, and sent it off to them and just received it back as “questionable authenticity”. I contacted Roger Epperson who said his opinion is that it is authentic. I’ve also done some research into Dylan autographs and it seems they are frequently difficult to authenticate as his signature varies greatly. Anyhow, is it real? And if so, do I send back to PSA for a second try at encapsulation?
Thank you!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Stepeanut on
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This isn’t a poem as such. This is a lyrical quote from Dylan’s 1966 masterpiece “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands”, from the album Blonde on Blonde.
Like you say, Dylan can be very difficult to authenticate, but this does look like his handwriting. I think it has a shot at being genuine. If so, then I’d date it to the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Forget PSA. Roger’s full certification holds much more sway with an item like this.
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Hello and thank you so much for sharing this information. I genuinely appreciate it so much! Great to know that the words are lyrics and really appreciate your opinion on this.
I’m sure it comes down to personal preference, but if I don’t get it encapsulated, would you suggest getting it framed? I’m trying to figure out how to keep it in good shape over the years but also display it.
thanks again!!
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Please, please, please don’t get it slabbed by PSA. If it’s genuine, it deserves more than that.
If Roger’s quick opinion is that it’s real, pay for his full certification, then have it conservation-framed sympathetically by a good custom framing shop. Perhaps with a nice B&W shot of Dylan from 1966.
What is the story behind this piece? How did it come into your possession?
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Thank you for the advice! This is so helpful. I will move forward with Roger’s full certification and then look to get it conservation-framed.
Unfortunately I do not have much info on it.
I am a huge Dylan fan and have always been interested in getting his autograph. I grew up in northern MN, very close to Hibbing. (Honestly a little embarrassed I didn’t recognize the lyrics.) Based on research I have known he is a tough autograph to get. I can say that based on my own experiences this is absolutely true, I came somewhat close to having an opportunity to ask him twice before his shows, but it was not meant to be.
I found this piece online about a year ago. It’s a small piece of worn/weathered notebook paper on a page from a worn/weathered photo album. The writing seems to be in black sharpie. Honestly, just based on my very limited knowledge of the rarity of Dylan autographs I figured it was likely fake. However, I purchased it as I got it for a great price, so low that I figured the risk was low. (Thinking there could be a small chance it would be real.) The seller told me he purchased it from a Dylan fan in the 90’s. Then, it actually got lost in the mail for a month, but eventually arrived.
I’ve stored it in a box since, and finally pulled it out at the start of the year, determined to understand if it could be real. I am not interested in selling it, but would like some peace of mind/expert opinion on it to understand if it’s likely real, and if so, figure out how to preserve and display.
Wish I knew more about it!
again thank you so much for your advice!
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A lack of provenance is always a worry, especially with someone like Dylan, who is widely faked. And that black marker pen does look quite modern in appearance, although not impossible. But I’m struck by the handwriting style, which is absolutely typical of Dylan. And he would write short lyrical quotes, on occasion, for lucky autograph recipients back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The signature appears to be of that period, also.
It was worth the risk in purchasing, IMO. I certainly would have bought it, if I’d seen it online at a tempting price. If authenticated by Roger, this has to be a $5,000 item easily. Maybe more. Those lyrics are amongst the most beautiful he ever wrote, and from arguably his most iconic album.
I’m trying to not get too excited because it’s hard to evaluate fully just from one photograph, but I have a good feeling about this one. And I say that as someone who normally exercises a good deal of caution when it comes to Dylan autographs. I own two modern examples, both with cast iron provenance, but a vintage piece like this is in another league entirely.
Do keep us abreast of developments. I want to know how this one pans out.
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Thank you so much! I will keep the thread updated with what happens from here. I am planning to get it in the mail to Roger this week.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Saunders on
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Wow.
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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on
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Dylan is tough for sure. That said, to me it looks as though it may have been copied using this one as an example.
I moved this discussion to the Dylan forum.
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Interesting! I can see what you’re saying. Of course, I’d prefer it to be real, but ultimately want to know the facts.
with someone like dylan, how accurate does the authentication/certification get? I am a very new collector, and seem to understand Roger is the most trusted opinion in this type of autograph, but I also understand that whoever provides an opinion it ultimately is just an opinion.said another way- will I ever know with confidence it is real?
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I don’t follow Dylan signed items too closely, so I can’t really gauge how well the TPAs do with regard to accuracy. As far as this piece is concerned, the low price and similarly between the two items are bad signs.
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