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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin yesterday

The writing and signatures on both the front and back look like Booth's, but his material requires knowledge and expertise in him that I don't have. There are reproductions, including period photographs with the signature reproduced on them; actually signed CdVs; and forgeries galore. 

If it's real, it was autographed front and back by Booth, so I think it could be worth up to $25,000 or more.

What's the story on it?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Alesi yesterday

It’s coming up at auction in May. I got burned once before at a Bonhams Auction two years ago, but they refunded my money when they agreed that there was a problem and it was likely not authentic. I’ve spent hours today, looking at authentic Booth autographs and gotten some opinions from people who should know its authenticity. I also found the same CDV with his autograph and a slightly different inscription, and it comes from the Library of Congress. That’s highly encouraging. Thanks for your input Steve.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Alesi yesterday

By the way, Steve, it is not autographed front and back. What you took to be the back of it was actually the item I purchased from Bonhams, which apparently was not authentic and they agreed. I could’ve been out over $12,000 but they refunded my money. You don’t expect something like that from a major auction house, but it happened. 

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin 22 hours ago

Thanks for letting me know about the one you purchased. I'm glad you got your money back. A lot of auctions would not do it easily.

What's the provenance of the one you asked about? I'd expect it at least to have a substantial sales history. 

Personally, I'm concerned because the CdV does not look like it has been aging for 160 years. It does not show the toning and seasoning I'd expect to see. 

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Permalink Reply by Joe Alesi 9 hours ago

1. I have to agree that the CDV does not looked aged which is concerning, but the writing does compare favorably with the aged looking CDV from the Library of Congress. Swann Galleries is the auction house. Any thoughts? I’m also sending. picture of the reverse of the CDV and comments from another collector who has purchased Booth. Lastly, would you expect Swann Galleries to provide provenance if I contact them. Thanks for your interest and help Steve.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Alesi 9 hours ago

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin 5 hours ago

While Swann is a respected and reputable auction house, it's extremely important to remember, though, that like most auction houses, they clearly state that they absolutely do not guarantee authenticity, quality, originality, accuracy of description, or pretty much anything else. It's your responsibility to make sure it's what you think it is before you place your first bid.

Swann's Clause 1 in Terms and Conditions (their caps):

"1. THE AUTHENTICITY OF PROPERTY LISTED IN THIS CATALOGUE IS WARRANTED TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE "LIMITED WARRANTY" EXCEPT AS PROVIDED THEREIN. ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD "AS IS" AND NEITHER SWANN NOR THE CONSIGNOR MAKES ANY WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY OR ITS VALUE, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THEY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTNESS OF DESCRIPTION, GENUINENESS, ATTRIBUTION, PROVENANCE, AUTHENTICITY, AUTHORSHIP, COMPLETENESS, CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY OR ESTIMATE OF VALUE. NO STATEMENT (ORAL OR WRITTEN) IN THE CATALOGUE, AT THE SALE, OR ELSEWHERE SHALL BE DEEMED SUCH A WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, OR ANY ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY."

My advice:

Whether at an auction house, a service like eBay, or a dealer, never bid on or buy an autograph or anything of value without doing your homework first. Make sure you know it's what you think it is, and what your remedies are if you're wrong.

If it's authenticated or graded by a third-party authenticator or grader, do they guarantee the grade or authenticity to you? What are the terms?

Autographs are especially tough, since every instance is unique. There's a reason that Collectors Universe has a rock-solid guarantee of the grade and authenticity of PCGS coins and PSA cards, but doesn't guarantee the authenticity of autographs unless the cards were issued signed or if PSA witnessed the signing. 

Whether or not to bid on this piece:
You need the advice of real, recognized experts in the autograph, and they need to see it in-person if they haven't seen it in-person in the past.

I am NOT an expert on Booth, so I could be wrong. But even though I respect Swann, I am concerned about the authenticity of this Booth. It's lack of ageing is a big reason why.

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