Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Charles O'Brailey on July 28, 2013 at 6:32pm

That Armstrong is off in so many aspects of an authentic example.  To someone who is just looking for basic characteristics it would seem to be okay, but this guy was a bit of a recluse and lets just say that compared with known authentic examples, it is off.

I'd keep away if I were you

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Permalink Reply by Randy on July 28, 2013 at 6:43pm

This collection has over 1500 through the mail 3" x 5" cards and almost 300 autograph photos. Most of the autographs were personalized and many had return letters. The guy started collecting through the mail in the 60's as some of the return letters are dated. This Armstrong is personalized to the guy and certainly does not look like an autopen example to meand it doesn't make sense that he would personalize it and then use an autopen. It closely matches some JSA and PSA/DNA authenticated examples currently on Ebay. I admit my expertise is in sports autographs but this one looks good to me.

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Permalink Reply by Carl Ryan on July 28, 2013 at 7:27pm

You should ask Mr. Zipper on here. He is a space expert for one ofthe big 2 authentication companies. He will be able to tell you 100 percent. Good luck

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Permalink Reply by wascher on July 30, 2013 at 5:02am

I agree.  Randy you can leave a post on Zippers wall and hopefully he'll be able to help you out.  http://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper 

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Permalink Reply by Randy on July 30, 2013 at 3:59pm

Thanks for the information.

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Permalink Reply by Charles O'Brailey on July 28, 2013 at 7:36pm

I'll stand by my opinion that it is not authentic.  I can't say 100% because I wouldn't call myself an expert but I can say that I am very big in to space autographs and while the basic characteristics match up, there is some flaws not commonly seen of know exemplars of his auto.  I could be wrong but that is just my honest opinion.  

If it is real, it is a great addition to your collection

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Permalink Reply by Randy on July 28, 2013 at 7:42pm

Thanks for your input. I have not purchased the collection yet and I am very aware of the pitfalls of through the mail autographs with secretarial, autopens, and stamps all being possibilities. At first, I thought this was one of Armstrong's autopen examples but after looking at authenticated ones compared to autopens, I did not think it was an autopen. Do you think it is an autopen or secretarial or a forgery?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on July 30, 2013 at 8:14pm

Randy contacted me privately for an opinion and I'll share it here as an FYI...

The Armstrong is undoubtedly authentic IMO. A typical example signed around 1990 in my estimation. The dedication is also dead on.

Yes, it varies from the textbook classic 70s Armstrong style, which most people are used to seeing. Bear in mind his signing style changed significantly over his 30 years of signing. The 90s style are often messier and less carefully applied.

Steve Zarelli / www.spaceloa.com

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on July 30, 2013 at 10:15pm

Thanks, Steve. Randy, Steve Zarelli is the most respected and dependable independent space autograph authenticator practicing today.

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Permalink Reply by Randy on July 31, 2013 at 4:57am

Yes, I am very aware of Steve's expertise in space and aviation autographs. I just did not know he was a member here and gave opinions until another member sent me his page link. If I am able to purchase this entire collection which has other space autographs, I will use him for full authentication. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by wascher on July 31, 2013 at 4:20am

Awesome! :))

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