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Authenticity is Everything
THE AUTOGRAPH AUTHENTICATOR REPORT
I would like to share with everyone a major problem I have been seeing around Florida for the past few years. For a while you would only see these signature on photos or on multi signed 500 Home Run or 3000 hits baseballs. A year or so ago P.A.A.S. starting receiving these Autographed White Panel Baseballs, "Official League Baseball" , signed in blue ink on the sweet spot. They would be submitted one or two at time, and mostly from collectors that obtained them at local Florida shows or Flea markets. In the last 4-5 months we were receiving these almost exact signed baseballs for autograph authentication from around the country. Last month a local Florida dealer brought in 70 of these pure white single signed baseball for autograph authentication. I held the submission for a few days, so we could document and photograph the signatures for our files. When the dealer returned for his baseballs, I asked him where he had obtained these signed baseballs? He explained with a straight face that he has had them for over 7 years. He said that he waited on lines at autograph shows and sent some of the baseballs to autograph shows around the country to get signed. I then explained to him that they are not authentic and that I have been aware of these forged signatures for years. I also showed him enough proof that he had nothing further to say and admitted that he purchased the baseballs at a Miami Flea market for $10 per baseball. The scary part is he told me that a sports memorabilia dealer friend of his from North Carolina purchased over 300 baseballs and a dozen Muhammad Ali signed gloves. This is becoming a wide spread problem and I have been seeing these same baseballs on many websites and auctions. Please take note of these examples and study the signature patterns. You may notice a few different variations of the same signature, this is done by increasing or decreasing the size and width of the autograph. Besides not being authentic I am sure some of the readers will see some interesting similarities with these signatures. I would like hear some opinions and receive some input. There are additional names and signatures and we will continue to post them.
Thank you for your time,
Michael Frost of P.A.A.S. can be reached at specialagent711@aol.com
Tags: Authentication, Autograph, Frost, Michael, P.A.A.S., PSA/DNA
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on
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There is no natural variation. I presume they are machine signed or there is some sort of transfer process. Concerning because if you did not have the benefit of seeing multiples at one time, singles could easily slip through.
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And I'm sure Hank Aaron has not signed that cleanly in many years. Based on the sig style (old) and the era of the ball (new China ball), those could be rejected on that factor alone.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Frost on
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I can continue showing examples of Hank Aaron and show a few variations of this signature. There are many other names being done including some that many would consider common autographs. My intentions are not to show problems or mistakes by any of the third party authentication companies that have certed these signed baseballs. I have no agenda except to help the collectors and try to shop the problem by use of examples and conversation. I do wish more members would participate and add their input and information to this study.
So, after my amazing successes of the first day at the card show this weekend, I finally got my prized Hank Aaron autoed ball out of my china cabinet and took it in to have it authenticated.(e-mail and examined and not authenticated))
(On a website For Sale right now.)
(On - eBay right Now..)Hank Aaron Autographed Baseball
Item Number 114Estimated Value Priceless
Opening Bid $275.00(On Internet Auction Right Now)
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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on
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Mike,
I can't thank you enough for telling members about these forgeries. This is the kind of communication we need more of in the hobby. I am impressed.
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Permalink Reply by Fuddjcal on
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AGREED,
Thanks for posting this Mike and contributing on this site. Your knowledge of this industry can be very helpful to collectors. I am glad you are a contributing member here. I can appreciate the professionalism and restraint you've shown in the face of detractors. Not everyone has to agree on everything and I'm glad you can appreciate that too. Thanks again, FUDD
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Permalink Reply by Brandon Mysinger on
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+10 agreed!
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I really thought there would be much more input and questions on these signed baseballs. I have been surprised by the lack of interest in something so widespread and what could be the complete downfall of the sports autograph industry. I promised to show some more examples and the fact that even what some may consider common signatures are now at risk. If this could be done in sports on baseballs, what do you think about music legends on guitars, record albums and drum heads.Please look at the following examples from the same source as the previous posted signed baseballs.
I have received word from a reliable source that as of 2 weeks ago Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Madonna and Lady Gaga signed items are available. Keep you eyes open and watch for additional examples.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Panagopulos on
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How do these look under a loupe? Indents from the writing? Printed-on? Lithographed?
Any idea of the source?
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The Mantle, Ford and Koufax are the same fake styles we've seen countless times with the Always at Auction fakes. So I presume the same criminals have branched into other lesser know players.
Do you think the use of the China ball is because they are too cheap to use OMLB or is that type of synthetic surface more conducive to the process?
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Permalink Reply by CJCollector on
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I first noticed those particular Koufax, Mantle and Ford forgeries two years ago. They was a Ebay seller from Florida listing them. Of course, they were all eventually removed and the seller booted, but again, those particular forgeries have been around at least two years.
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These signatures on the baseballs are 100% written, they can be smudged with your finger as if they were signed just hours ago. There is no sign of indenting due to the material of the baseball and the wide tip blue ink being used. The signed items are for sure being sold primarily out of South Florida.I thank you for your time and concerns.
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A few thoughts:
* I agree this is a concern, but I think we need to be careful not to overreact and cause panic.
* Is an actual writing instrument used or is it some sort of transfer/print onto the ball?
* It appears at least some of them are based off of a template that was a forgery. Why not use an authentic as a template?
* Other than local auctions, any idea where they are being sold?
* Jim Kaat and Jimmy Key? Really?!?
I don't think this will be the downfall of the hobby. It's just a new twist on an old scam. But it is important that the people doing this are caught and severely punished.
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