Comment by CEE GEE on July 25, 2011 at 1:25pm

This Mantle was out there for long and with such huge numbers....for a long time I thought these were authentic and the authentic Mantles were fake due to the shear amount of how many have been pumped into the market and the perfection of these practiced forgeries compared to a authentic Mantle that has been done quick as Mantle often did and not as perfect...But as we all know Mantle has his tell tale signs that make his real and these absolute junk...the only thing in my mind that tricks all the people out there purchasing this is the mass number of these out there to compare to.....THOUSANDS !!! Not like the real thing that hasn't been signed since 1995...that's 16 years of junk floating around....and still is...

Comment by Ole Dog Eared Collector on February 29, 2012 at 9:49pm

Has AAFES been warned about Always at Auction? They are "thee" government department store and CAN act swiftly to get refunds for all those that have been duped. they have access to a network of being able to notify military personnel that pass thru AAFES worldwide. Also why  hasn't Always at Auction been taken to task? They KNOW they are passing forgeries! I bought a 500 HR ball from them on upon receipt recognized it as bogus and I am nowhere near an expert so you know it had to be bad. It was also of course "authenticated" by the world reknown Chris Morales. I called their customer service and gave them my complaint. A manager promptly returned my call and promised a full refund however while he acted as though he was hearing it for the first time, he didnt sound the least bit alarmed or surprised. I cant be the only one that ever told them they are selling fakes. really? I have also heard that an auction house ( I dont know the name, if you do please reply ) that is selling GAI & Morales COA items thru Proxibid which is a legit online auction middleman.

 

Comment by Rick Meyer on March 1, 2012 at 4:17pm

Both AAFES and Always at Auction were notified that the items were forgeries. Since they had a forensic document expert opinion they shrugged off all warnings. AAFES sided with the company and was pleased with the thorough examinations and the steps Always at Auction took to ensure only authentic signatures were being sold. Always at Auction still today manages the AAFES online auction site even though the sports memorabila has been pulled.

Comment by Ole Dog Eared Collector on March 1, 2012 at 4:59pm

 

This is Always at Auctions "guarantee" as copy & pasted from a current item. It appears they acknowledge they have been taking heat for their business practices and are making a feeble attempt at fighting back.

 

"100% Guarantee We assure 100% authenticity of each piece sold from our auction. The photos are singular expressions and each signature is genuine and one of a kind. Examinations are performed independently with a certificate of authenticity being issued for each piece. Our authenticators have the highest level of objectivity and hold no financial interest in the certifying process, which allows them to maintain an independent opinion. We use only qualified authenticators who have been credentialed as expert document examiners. Scientific principles are used to examine each piece. Scientific principals may include but are not limited to writing instruments, ink comparisons, area measurements as well as the use of ultraviolet and infrared lighting and a stereoscopic microscope.

In addition, we believe that it is important for buyers to keep in mind that there are many self-proclaimed experts that attempt to render their opinion as truth, fabricating their credentials and qualifications. It is essential to look beyond advertised qualifications and base conclusions on findings and facts. A certified forensic examiner will never change his or her mind about the authenticity of any decision made. Their decision will be supported by scientific principles and hold up in a court of law. Unlike others in this market who claim no liability to their customers, stating that opinions may change, we stand behind the authenticity of each piece and will not knowingly sell any forged items. Additionally, we also randomly select certified pieces from our collection and resubmit to a second authenticator.

We offer a 30 day 100% refund guarantee. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your Sports Memorabilia purchase, you may return it for a full merchandise refund. Global Authentics, LLC This item was authenticated by Global Authentics, LLC. Global Authentics, LLC provides consumer protection and value preservation for consumers, dealers, collectors and charities by verifying the quality and originality of autographed sports, entertainment, and historical memorabilia using a team of highly experienced authentication experts. By using exemplar signatures and expert analysis Global Authentics confirms the items are genuine and rendered authentic opinions. The Global brand name is highly respected for accuracy, consistency and is recognized as a world leader in this space. They are proud to be a Pre-Certified Authenticator for Ebay and have become a valuable resource for clients throughout the Internet. For more information on Global Authentics, LLC, visit www.globalauthentics.com"

1.) "100% guarantee"  Sure, Why not? IF you get caught! 99 out of 100 buyers wont suspect what they are doing. The 1 percent that complain get a prompt refund and most likely remain satisfied and silent.

2.) 'qualified authenticators". By whose standards? Their own.?

3.)" hold no financial interest in the certifying process" really? They do this for free?

4.) " We use only qualified authenticators who have been credentialed as expert document examiners" Who qualified them?

5.) " Scientific principles are used to examine each piece".

Comment by Ole Dog Eared Collector on March 1, 2012 at 5:01pm

6.)"In addition, we believe that it is important for buyers to keep in mind that there are many self-proclaimed experts that attempt to render their opinion as truth, fabricating their credentials and qualifications. It is essential to look beyond advertised qualifications and base conclusions on findings and facts." HAH! Oh, this is the best! I'm rolling on the floor with this one.

7.)"Unlike others in this market ( hear that guys. lol ) who claim no liability to their customers, stating that opinions may change, we stand behind the authenticity of each piece and will not knowingly sell any forged items." Oh, Please Stop! I'm going to pee myself! Are they kidding?

8.) "Additionally, we also randomly select certified pieces from our collection and resubmit to a second authenticator" Who? Do they take Morales stuff to GAI and GAI stuff to Morales?

9.) "The Global brand name is highly respected for accuracy, consistency and is recognized as a world leader in this space." OH! thats it! I'm suing AAA  I just hurt myself laughing so hard.

10.) " For more information on Global Authentics, LLC, visit www.globalauthentics.com " NO! For more information on GAI go to autographmagazine.com ! and get the REAL no financial interest story.

 

11.) " They are proud to be a Pre-Certified Authenticator for Ebay " Anyone want to volunteer to do the honors and tell them?

Comment by Rick Meyer on March 1, 2012 at 6:34pm

I was on them pretty good for a long time. This guarantee was written and added to all his auctions right after my extended contact with them. I believe #6 was written about me. Atleast I've convinced myself it was. Every time I read it I get I feel somewhat proud.

Comment by Rick Meyer on March 1, 2012 at 6:41pm

#8 refers to items with STAT authentications on occasion coming with a TTA authentication and items with Burczyck stickers on back having an AAU LOA as well. But even then very few had this. I think might have an item from them that has both a STAT and TTA certificate and sticker. Believe it is a Ted Williams WW II photo in the cockpit of a plane. I'd have to check again to be sure when I get back to Arizona.

Comment by Ole Dog Eared Collector on March 1, 2012 at 7:16pm

Rick, You should be proud. When you effect a change in someone/business that is doing shall we say "less than stellar" practices then you should be proud. You may have well saved thousands of unsuspecting rubes from shelling out millions at this carnival game. I was in the Marines in the 70's and 80's and AFFES use to have a very good rep. I don't recall seeing any of it but it doesnt surprise me that they now carry it. It IS popular. Hearing what I have tonight I am at the very least very disappointed. To the point that I may look up some old friends that might still be in the AFFES system to see if we can't get the attention of the powers that be.  I take personal offense to people they prey upon our servicemen & women. Oh, That photo you have of Ted in the cockpit, If its the one I'm thinking of they also made a baseball card of it, It shows Ted holding his helmet and if you look real close you can see a serial number on the helmet. I own that helmet. I briefly worked in supply at NAS Willow Grove. Ted was a trainer there and after seeing the card/number I tracked down the helmet in surplus and laid in wait until it came up for sale at DRMO.  No one else had a clue. Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to get him to sign it. THAT would have been sweet.

Comment by Rick Meyer on March 1, 2012 at 8:38pm

Wow that would have been a sweet and very valuable helmet. Next time I'm home I'll look for the number.

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