Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lawrence Zelikoff on January 24, 2017 at 9:12pm

The picture is I obviously need to do more homework and learn how to spot fakes. 

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 24, 2017 at 5:36pm

Lawrence, 

Are you talking about this Mickey Mantle?

If so, I may be able to answer your question. But I'm nowhere near as good as Chris and many others here on Mantle autographs:

There are a lot of signs in this one that say it's not genuine. Most of all, the M's are signed slowly and awkwardly. Mickey Mantle was remarkably consistent in signing autographs, and almost always signed beautiful autographs, especially on photos.

The angles of the T and L of Mantle are really off as well. 

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on January 24, 2017 at 6:40pm

that one directly above is a joke.  for someone that studies autographs, just looking at a handful of PSA, JSA, BAS or SGC certed Mantle's, one would see the obvious differences.  As Steve Z states, the one that Christopher presented IS an obvious forgery. but rather than try to explain the differences, when you see that forgery style over and over again, and also see authentic versions over and over again, it becomes very apparent.  sometimes this hobby gets too technical.  it truly is, all in the eye. of course, unless you are one of those forensic document examiners, whose opinions we all so highly value.

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Permalink Reply by CJCollector on January 24, 2017 at 6:41pm

Exactly, Terrier.

And as you commented, Terrier, all of that Forensic BS.

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Permalink Reply by James on January 24, 2017 at 7:34pm

Yes, where would the hobby be without the trained eyes of the likes of Christopher Morales, a man of the highest integrity.

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Permalink Reply by CJCollector on January 25, 2017 at 3:57am

Thank you, James.

I despise those so-called "Forensic Authenticators" who have literally certed tens of thousands of forgeries.

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence Zelikoff on January 24, 2017 at 9:06pm

You know, you're right. I've had this picture for more than 50 years and never looked at it close enough to see just how far off it really is from ones that have been authenticated. It's not even close. At least I didn't pay for it. WHen I was a kid we used to send pictures to players asking for them to sign them. Many sent them back signed. This was one of them. I have dozens. I'll have to examine all closely now to see if they're this bad. Damn. 

Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by James on January 24, 2017 at 7:46pm

Christopher Williams, that is exactly what those leeches do. I occasionally go to their website just for laughs to see how much they've marked up a legitimate seller's price. Sportsmemorabilia.com listed a Star War item I was looking at on eBay. On eBay, the real owner listed it for $3400, but those parasites at SM listed it on their site for about $6000...hoping some sucker would bite. I feel bad for the OP who built a collection through that shady website. One could in fact build an authentic collection buying from them...at perhaps nearly double the cost! Buying from them is just like giving them charity, but if one wants to give away money, why not try donating to cancer research instead!

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence Zelikoff on January 24, 2017 at 9:07pm

Exactly.

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Permalink Reply by jwf1986 on April 18, 2017 at 6:26pm

Huge thanks for the sportsmemorabilia.com info. Found an item on there and then went to ebay (after reading this) and found the exact item (same COA#) for about half price.

Also, somewhat new to the hobby, am wondering everyone's thoughts on how trustworthy Beckett Authentication is. Been considering buying a few hockey items with their COA (and hologram) but wasn’t sure about how credible/reliable their authentications are. any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by sjcstavros on October 1, 2017 at 8:02am

Hi guys, hope all is well! Reading your discussion about Mantle autographs I thought I might ask you for your thoughts.

My wife (very generously) decided to buy me this lovely looking bat for our anniversary from SM. It hasn't arrived you but looking at it and reading your various experiences, I'm naturally suspicious. They are also listed on eBay (at a lower price of course) but below is the link on SM. Anyone have any idea as to whether it might be real? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

https://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-products/ted-williams-davi...

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