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Misgivings about bidding on this fabulous, one of a kind JFK

Currently, this phenomenal over-sized candid autographed photo of JFK is listed on Heritage Auction. I was all set to bid when I saw that it was authenticated by James Spence--which gave me pause.

A while back I read scathing article about James Spence throwing his credibility as an authenticator under the bus.

I can't imagine HA offering an item unless they were absolutely certain of its authenticity.

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Permalink Reply by James on September 27, 2019 at 8:46pm

Ten years ago or some big auction houses were still making mistakes with JFK autographs. I used to have a picture of a JFK signed photo that Christie’s sold around 2007 or so for about $5000. It was secretarial, unfortunately. I have no idea whatever happened about that.

Rest assured, however, the JFK you present here is definitely authentic.

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Permalink Reply by James on September 27, 2019 at 9:12pm

There’s a bit of irony here, given that you’re concerned about J. Spence Authentication while the photo appears as though it’s possibly inscribed to Jay Spence. ;0)

I can see why you like this piece. I think it’s a great picture of JFK. I hope you get it. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Meadows on September 28, 2019 at 9:55am

Initially, I thought the same thing. However, it's "Jay Spencer" who was a news photographer who took the photo.

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Meadows on September 28, 2019 at 9:34am

Thank you for the validation. I appreciate it.

A while back I had a couple of items authenticated by James Spence. However, the article I read made me doubt whether they were to be trusted. Before I got James Spence to authenticate the items, I tried to consign them to RR Auction, but they wouldn't take them without some sort of authentication. Even after I got James Spence's authentications, RR Auction still wouldn't take them, which made me wonder if RR Auction had reservations about items authenticated by Spence.

BTW, I did bid on the JFK piece based on your validations. I appreciate it.

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Permalink Reply by James on September 28, 2019 at 2:21pm

I’ve never done any business with RR; however it seems that they usually use PSA/DNA or Roger Epperson (REAL), and now perhaps Beckett as well. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of their items authenticated by JSA. I’m not sure why, though.

Well, good luck! Let us know if you win the item. That would be great.