Steve Zarelli's Posts - Autograph Live2024-03-28T22:06:49ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipperhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3771691504?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://live.autographmagazine.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3w1laavv34iyq&xn_auth=noJimmy Stewart | Not so wonderful fakestag:live.autographmagazine.com,2023-12-05:3524372:BlogPost:18803852023-12-05T17:21:51.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>As a long time Jimmy Stewart collector, I have dozens of authentic autographs in my collection. From checks to photos to a baseball, I treasure them all.</p>
<p>However, one key piece has eluded me - that is a signed photo from <em>It's a Wonderful Life</em>. </p>
<p>Jimmy Stewart was a generous signer and there is a good supply of authentically signed Stewart items readily available. As of now, there are approximately 420 James Stewart signed items on eBay from almost every movie he…</p>
<p>As a long time Jimmy Stewart collector, I have dozens of authentic autographs in my collection. From checks to photos to a baseball, I treasure them all.</p>
<p>However, one key piece has eluded me - that is a signed photo from <em>It's a Wonderful Life</em>. </p>
<p>Jimmy Stewart was a generous signer and there is a good supply of authentically signed Stewart items readily available. As of now, there are approximately 420 James Stewart signed items on eBay from almost every movie he appeared in, except, perhaps his most popular -- <em>It's a Wonderful Life</em>. </p>
<p>So, what is the problem with <em>It's a Wonderful Life</em>?</p>
<p>Perhaps <em>It's a Wonderful Life</em> photos were not readily available from the photo suppliers in the period when Stewart was signing generously through the mail. That is speculation, it is a mystery to me. </p>
<p>But what is undeniable is that IAWL poses are exceeding uncommon in authentic form. You will find many IAWL poses allegedly signed by Stewart, but in my opinion, the vast majority are suspect and to be avoided. At this time, of the approximately 420 signed James Stewart items on eBay, there is not one IAWL example I believe is authentic. </p>
<p>Here are some examples of signatures on IAWL poses I consider suspect at best. </p>
<p>This is a pose commonly found signed in the upper left corner with a messy haphazard blue Sharpie signature. In my opinion, this is likely a mass-produced fake.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309145658?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309145658?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309145691?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309145691?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Here are some other suspect examples.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309146876?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309146876?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309147254?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12309147254?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>If you are in the market to add a IAWL signed photo to your collection this holiday season, I advise great caution. Chances are that IAWL signed photo belongs in a stocking with lumps of black coal!</p>The story of Neil Armstrong signed NASA portraitstag:live.autographmagazine.com,2022-04-06:3524372:BlogPost:17389482022-04-06T13:47:11.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4_zq_EBP_xw?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>Authenticity opinions received through Facebook groups? Out!tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2021-07-14:3524372:BlogPost:16476392021-07-14T20:30:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>Over the years I have heard many stories of how various Facebook Autograph Groups can be a total circus. Crazy members, fighting, bad opinions, stalking... you name it. In light of this, I have avoided them.</p>
<p>However, recently I broke my own rule and joined the "Out or Safe!?” baseball Facebook group because I had heard stories of what was going on in there. My curiosity was piqued and I wanted to see for myself. The premise of the group is someone posts a photo of an item, and admins…</p>
<p>Over the years I have heard many stories of how various Facebook Autograph Groups can be a total circus. Crazy members, fighting, bad opinions, stalking... you name it. In light of this, I have avoided them.</p>
<p>However, recently I broke my own rule and joined the "Out or Safe!?” baseball Facebook group because I had heard stories of what was going on in there. My curiosity was piqued and I wanted to see for myself. The premise of the group is someone posts a photo of an item, and admins weight in with "safe" or "out" in terms of authenticity.</p>
<p>My membership lasted about 12 hours.</p>
<p>Someone had posted a Mantle for an opinion, and one of the admins replied that it was "safe," meaning it was authentic. The Mantle was questionable at best, and highly likely a fake in my opinion. Roller coaster baseline... signed in a spot Mantle would not sign... letter proportion out of whack... stiff rigid signature. I responded to the post that I thought it was an "out." (Photo below)</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248856060?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248856060?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>My comment was quickly deleted and the thread locked.</p>
<p>I sent a note to the moderators asking why. Were differing opinions not allowed?</p>
<p>The response was, "If an admin is very confident on the opinion they will answer and usually turn off comments. That is to stop people from commenting incorrectly."</p>
<p>I sent the photo to my colleagues at JSA, who deemed it a "fail." (JSA even noted it had a machine signed appearance, which I agree.)</p>
<p>I shared this with the admin, "Josh", who couldn't care less. I wrote, "<span>My concern is people are being told bad material is good and then the convo closed for any debate. This is reckless."</span></p>
<p>In any case, despite the fact that JSA failed the Mantle, their decision was final. And then I was then told I was welcome to leave the group, which I did. <strong>I won't be part of something where collectors are routinely given bad advice and no one is allowed to question it.</strong></p>
<p><span>It was not just this Mantle. I found numerous examples of incorrect calls. Willie Mays wife signed photo, Ted Williams fake, Carl Yastrzemski fake, George Brett fake, Don Drysdake fake... all called "safe" by admins. And this was just in the last few days. How many hundreds more bad calls were there?</span></p>
<p>Here are just a few examples of bad items being called "safe" by an admin.</p>
<p> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248853058?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248853058?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Campanella rubber stamp</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248852876?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248852876?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Obvious Yaz forgery</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248853868?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9248853868?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Willie Mays wife signed</p>
<p></p>
<p>It's not even the fact that mistakes are made. Everyone makes mistakes. <strong>It's that they arrogantly shut down discussion and delete differing opinions. And if you question it, you're no longer welcome.</strong> This is not about educating collectors, it's about stoking the egos of a few so-called experts who can't handle feedback.</p>
<p>For what it's worth, there are a few admins in this particular group who appear to be knowledgeable, but clearly a few who are total amateur hour.</p>
<p>There are some great Facebook groups with knowledgeable people. RACC is an example. This site is another example with knowledgeable collectors, and debate and discussion is allowed.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>However, be wary of the groups that don't tolerate discussion or debate, run by wannabe "experts." The free opinion you are getting may be worth exactly what you paid for it -- ZERO.</strong></span></p>
<p>(I am considering doing a YouTube video on this topic. If you are in any of these groups and have a screenshot to share, please post it here!)</p>
<p></p>What are Autopen signatures? How to identify Autopens and myths!tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2020-02-19:3524372:BlogPost:14404842020-02-19T13:00:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><span>Hey gang... please check out my new video and be sure to subscribe to my channel! :-)</span></p>
<p><span>Collectibles Chat Episode 7: Collectibles Chat with Steve Zarelli, Zarelli Space Authentication.</span></p>
<p><span>What are Autopen autographs; how to identify Autopen autographs; and Autopen myths.</span></p>
<p><span>I close the episode with a collecting tip.…</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Hey gang... please check out my new video and be sure to subscribe to my channel! :-)</span></p>
<p><span>Collectibles Chat Episode 7: Collectibles Chat with Steve Zarelli, Zarelli Space Authentication.</span></p>
<p><span>What are Autopen autographs; how to identify Autopen autographs; and Autopen myths.</span></p>
<p><span>I close the episode with a collecting tip.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZuIyTwFO5tY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><span>For more information on astronaut, cosmonaut and aviation autograph authentication: <a href="https://ZarelliSpaceAuthentication.com">https://ZarelliSpaceAuthentication.com</a></span></p>Space Shuttle Challenger Autograph Collecting Tipstag:live.autographmagazine.com,2020-01-28:3524372:BlogPost:14339022020-01-28T13:27:53.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. </p>
<p><span>In this episode of Collectibles Chat -- Honoring the Challenger Shuttle Astronauts and Challenger Autographs Collecting Tips.</span></p>
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<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDbT-pryPcM?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p>Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. </p>
<p><span>In this episode of Collectibles Chat -- Honoring the Challenger Shuttle Astronauts and Challenger Autographs Collecting Tips.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDbT-pryPcM?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</span></p>Collectibles Chat Episode 4: Exposing traced autograph scam.tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2020-01-13:3524372:BlogPost:14291752020-01-13T14:39:31.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><span>Collectibles Chat Episode 4: Exposing traced autograph scam. What to look for to identify traced over autograph fakes.</span></p>
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<p><span>Please be sure to "subscribe" to my channel. Thanks!</span></p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i2rAQKNUvAY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</span></p>
<p><span>Collectibles Chat Episode 4: Exposing traced autograph scam. What to look for to identify traced over autograph fakes.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Please be sure to "subscribe" to my channel. Thanks!</span></p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i2rAQKNUvAY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</span></p>Collectibles Chat: A Soviet-era postcard book with cosmonaut autographstag:live.autographmagazine.com,2019-12-24:3524372:BlogPost:14228772019-12-24T13:30:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><span>Episode 2: Collectibles Chat with Steve Zarelli</span></p>
<p><span>In this episode I examine and discuss a vintage Soviet-era postcard book with numerous cosmonaut autographs.</span></p>
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<p><span>Episode 2: Collectibles Chat with Steve Zarelli</span></p>
<p><span>In this episode I examine and discuss a vintage Soviet-era postcard book with numerous cosmonaut autographs.</span></p>
<p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JI3CDiOI1Ig?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</span></p>Collectibles Chat: Liberating a Mickey Mantle signed phototag:live.autographmagazine.com,2019-12-01:3524372:BlogPost:14168712019-12-01T21:10:57.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>I have been blogging and writing magazine articles about autograph collecting in general since the mid-90s. I can't believe it's been almost 25 years!</p>
<p>My latest adventure is trying my hand at videos. While I am a professional authenticator specializing in astronaut autographs, my videos will be a mix of space-related and more general for a wider range of interests.</p>
<p>With that, I invite you to check out the first episode of "Collectibles Chat," which focuses on removing a Mickey…</p>
<p>I have been blogging and writing magazine articles about autograph collecting in general since the mid-90s. I can't believe it's been almost 25 years!</p>
<p>My latest adventure is trying my hand at videos. While I am a professional authenticator specializing in astronaut autographs, my videos will be a mix of space-related and more general for a wider range of interests.</p>
<p>With that, I invite you to check out the first episode of "Collectibles Chat," which focuses on removing a Mickey Mantle signed photo from an old plaque.</p>
<p>Please be sure to "like" the video and subscribe to my channel if you are inclined. Thanks for watching and any feedback is welcome. </p>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yOIQbGsjU4c?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p></p>Yuri Gagarin, 1st in space, Autograph Study by Steve Zarellitag:live.autographmagazine.com,2017-03-04:3524372:BlogPost:10445362017-03-04T14:44:02.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>On April 12, 1961, Soviet Air Force pilot Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. Launched aboard his Vostok spacecraft, Gagarin orbited the Earth and beat American Alan Shepard into space by 23 days. </p>
<p>On March 27, 1968, Yuri Gagarin was killed in a training flight crash at the age of 34.</p>
<p>Despite not being as much of a "household name" as Alan Shepard, John Glenn or Neil Armstrong, Gagarin is a tremendous historical figure and there is strong demand for his…</p>
<p>On April 12, 1961, Soviet Air Force pilot Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. Launched aboard his Vostok spacecraft, Gagarin orbited the Earth and beat American Alan Shepard into space by 23 days. </p>
<p>On March 27, 1968, Yuri Gagarin was killed in a training flight crash at the age of 34.</p>
<p>Despite not being as much of a "household name" as Alan Shepard, John Glenn or Neil Armstrong, Gagarin is a tremendous historical figure and there is strong demand for his signature. </p>
<p><span>Yuri Gagarin signed autographs for approximately seven years before his death. Because of the short time frame, there is not a great deal of variation in his signing style over this period. Gagarin traveled widely after his flight and was reportedly a generous signer in-person and also responded to mail requests. That said, for someone who died behind the Iron Curtain 50 years ago, the number of alleged Gagarin autographs in circulation far surpass the numbers one would reasonably expect to exist.</span></p>
<p><span>Regrettably, his signature is highly forged and collectors must use great caution in obtaining a Yuri Gagarin signed item.</span></p>
<p><strong>This is an abbreviated version of a study originally published on my website. For more examples and details, click here to see the <a href="https://zarellispaceauthentication.com/yuri-gagarin-autograph-study/" target="_blank">full study from Zarelli Space Authentication</a>.</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Authentic Gagarin examples</strong></em></p>
<p><span><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144490?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144446?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></p>
<p>Signed photo, 1961</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144658?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144658?profile=original" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Signed invitation, 1965</p>
<p><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144675?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></p>
<p>Signed book - 1966</p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong>Examples of Yuri Gagarin forgeries</strong></em></p>
<p>Gagarin is highly forged on photos, documents, postal covers, postcards, etc. One forger in particular is responsible for many thousands of Gagarin forgeries over the past 20+ years. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144775?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144775?profile=original" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Mass-produced Gagarin forgery</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144785?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144785?profile=original" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Mass-produced forgeries on a fake document</p>
<p><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74144860?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"/></p>
<p>Multi-signed cosmonaut photo with 100% fakes</p>When the “proof picture” proves it's a fake!tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2016-08-01:3524372:BlogPost:9639612016-08-01T17:00:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>Astute collectors know that crooked sellers use phony proof pictures to sell their fakes all the time. They steal images from other signings, pluck a photo from an internet search, and so on.</p>
<p>These so-called proof pictures rarely prove anything, but in this case, it proves the item is a fake, or at least, it is not the same photo that is being offered!</p>
<p>Here is a photo supposedly signed by Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Billy Martin and Mickey Mantle.…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Astute collectors know that crooked sellers use phony proof pictures to sell their fakes all the time. They steal images from other signings, pluck a photo from an internet search, and so on.</p>
<p>These so-called proof pictures rarely prove anything, but in this case, it proves the item is a fake, or at least, it is not the same photo that is being offered!</p>
<p>Here is a photo supposedly signed by Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Billy Martin and Mickey Mantle.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74143117?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74143117?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74143337?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>And here is the “proof photo.” As you can plainly see, Whitey Ford is the first one to add his signature to the photos. No one else has signed the photos yet.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74143255?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74143255?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Now let’s do the math.</p>
<p>Billy Martin died in 1989. At that time, Whitey Ford was 61 years old.</p>
<p>Yet, the “proof photo” clearly shows an aged Whitey Ford who is at least in his 70s! <a href="http://fourseamimages.photoshelter.com/gallery/Mickey-Mantle-Whitey-Ford-Fantasy-Camp-1989/G0000ne5.H4KuFVU/C0000L7TglXdZJC4" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see photos of Ford at a 1989 fantasy camp, the year Martin died. Ford is younger, significantly heavier and more robust than the thinner and more frail looking Ford shown in the signing photograph.</p>
<p>When Ford was the age portrayed in the photo, Martin was deceased. How could Martin have possibly signed these?!? He couldn't!</p>
<p><strong>“Proof” photo FAIL!</strong></p>Top 5 Risky Space Autographs by Zarelli Space Authenticationtag:live.autographmagazine.com,2015-10-08:3524372:BlogPost:8237782015-10-08T14:00:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>What are the top five most dangerous space autographs? What space autograph is fake 75% of the time in my opinion? You may be surprised at some of the names.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74141701?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74141681?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"></img></a></p>
<p>I wrote the attached article for the Fall 2014 edition of the <a href="http://www.uacc.org" target="_blank">UACC</a> magazine, Pen & Quill. I am pleased to share it here for your reading…</p>
<p>What are the top five most dangerous space autographs? What space autograph is fake 75% of the time in my opinion? You may be surprised at some of the names.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74141701?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74141681?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>I wrote the attached article for the Fall 2014 edition of the <a href="http://www.uacc.org" target="_blank">UACC</a> magazine, Pen & Quill. I am pleased to share it here for your reading pleasure.</p>
<p>Happy to discuss space autographs at any time.</p>
<p>Steve Zarelli<br/> Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC<br/> <a href="http://www.SpaceLOA.com">www.SpaceLOA.com</a><br/> Twitter: @SteveZarelli</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74141701?profile=original" target="_self">Top 5 Riskiest Space Autographs by Steve Zarelli</a></strong></p>James "Jimmy" Stewart: Autopen Signature Studytag:live.autographmagazine.com,2015-03-29:3524372:BlogPost:7504692015-03-29T19:25:42.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><a href="http://stevezarelli.blogspot.com/2015/03/james-jimmy-stewart-autopen-signature.html" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in my blog, Steve Zarelli presents: The Collecting Obsession.</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>James Stewart was a willing through-the-mail signer for many years. However, after suffering medical problems in the 1990s, his office fulfilled mail requests with secretarial signatures and an Autopen machine.</p>
<p>The proxy signatures -- typically signed "James…</p>
<p><a href="http://stevezarelli.blogspot.com/2015/03/james-jimmy-stewart-autopen-signature.html" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in my blog, Steve Zarelli presents: The Collecting Obsession.</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>James Stewart was a willing through-the-mail signer for many years. However, after suffering medical problems in the 1990s, his office fulfilled mail requests with secretarial signatures and an Autopen machine.</p>
<p>The proxy signatures -- typically signed "James Stewart" -- are obvious to anyone with some familiarity with James Stewart's authentic signature.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140361?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140361?profile=original" width="602" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>James Stewart secretarial signature</p>
<p>Autopen machines are most commonly used by politicians and astronauts, so some collectors are fooled and do not consider the possibility of an Autopen for a Hollywood celebrity.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140398?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140398?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Jimmy Stewart Autopen signed photo</p>
<p>While some collectors are familiar with the "Jimmy Stewart" pattern sent by his office primarily on photos, there were at least four other Jimmy Stewart Autopen patterns.</p>
<p>In the 1990s, I had a friend who worked at Crown Publishing who provided me with a dozen signed bookplates from Jimmy Stewart's book, Jimmy Stewart and His Poems. In the stack of bookplates, I identified five different Autopen patterns. Regrettably, I never properly scanned the bookplates and I thought they were lost in a move over ten years ago. As luck would have it, I recently found them mixed in with some old photos I haven't looked through in many years.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140531?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140531?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>There are matches for patterns 1 through 3. There were not matches for patterns 4 and 5 in the batch, however, close examination of the signatures shows tell-tale Autopen signature characteristics: hard stops and starts; evidence of machine vibration; and very subtle "jerky" mechanical motion associated with the Autopen armature. From many years of studying the nuances of Autopen signatures, I am confident 4 and 5 are Autopen machine signed without having the benefit of matching examples.</p>
<p>In my experience, pattern #1 seems to be the one Stewart's office used most frequently and often appears on photographs. That said, it is entirely possible they occasionally used one of the other patterns, so be on the look out for any one of the five!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140655?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140655?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650" class="align-full"/></a></p>Zarelli Space Authentication: Gus Grissom Autograph Studytag:live.autographmagazine.com,2014-10-22:3524372:BlogPost:6637822014-10-22T13:51:23.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><span>Steve Zarelli Space Authentication is pleased to present an online signature study on NASA astronaut, Virgil "Gus" Grissom. <a href="http://www.zarellispaceauthentication.com/gus-grissom-autograph-study/" target="_blank">The full study can be found on my website by clicking here.</a></span><span><br></br></span></p>
<p>I have included a number of verified signature exemplars that span the short period Gus Grissom was signing autographs, as well as Autopens, secretarials, pre-prints and…</p>
<p><span>Steve Zarelli Space Authentication is pleased to present an online signature study on NASA astronaut, Virgil "Gus" Grissom. <a href="http://www.zarellispaceauthentication.com/gus-grissom-autograph-study/" target="_blank">The full study can be found on my website by clicking here.</a></span><span><br/></span></p>
<p>I have included a number of verified signature exemplars that span the short period Gus Grissom was signing autographs, as well as Autopens, secretarials, pre-prints and suspected forgeries.</p>
<p>In my estimation, Grissom is in the top five risky autographs of flown astronauts. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the study and it is of value to the community.</p>
<p>As always, comments and feedback are welcome and thank you for your support!</p>
<p><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140061?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"/><br/>Print authentically signed by 6 of the Mercury 7 astronauts </p>
<p><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74140093?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/><br/>Common Gus Grissom forgery style</p>
<p></p>
<p>Steve Zarelli Space Authentication provides professional authentication of astronaut, cosmonaut and aviation autographs to individual collectors, dealers and organizations, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>RR Auction</li>
<li>James Spence Authentication (JSA)</li>
<li>Sportscard Guaranty Authentic (SGC)</li>
<li>PSA/DNA Authentication</li>
<li>Many other reputable dealers and collectors worldwide</li>
</ul>
<p>Happy collecting!</p>
<p>Steve Zarelli<br/><a href="http://www.ZarelliSpaceAuthentication.com" target="_blank">Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC</a></p>X-15 Rocket Plane: Is this the best signed photo in existence?tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2014-07-08:3524372:BlogPost:6116762014-07-08T12:54:25.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74139990?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74139990?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span>Even though I review hundreds of space and aviation autographs every month for clients including RR Auction, JSA, SGC, PSA and others, I always enjoy looking at cool items. Every once-in-a-while something comes along that really knocks me out of my chair... and this X-15 multi-signed photo is one of them.</span></p>
<p><span>The X-15 set altitude and…</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74139990?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74139990?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Even though I review hundreds of space and aviation autographs every month for clients including RR Auction, JSA, SGC, PSA and others, I always enjoy looking at cool items. Every once-in-a-while something comes along that really knocks me out of my chair... and this X-15 multi-signed photo is one of them.</span></p>
<p><span>The X-15 set altitude and speed records in the 1960s. It was a rocket powered plane that flew so high it technically went into outer space. The X-15 test pilots were the cream of the crop, and some went onto becoming astronauts with NASA… most notably Neil Armstrong who flew seven X-15 flights. <span>The X-15 currently holds the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>world record</span> for the highest speed ever reached by a manned, powered aircraft at 4,520 miles per hour on October 3, 1967.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=506" target="_blank"><span>RR Auction is offering this X-15 photo</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>signed by eleven of the twelve X-15 pilots from the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.rrauction.com/The-Robert-Shaw-Collection.html" target="_blank"><span>Robert Shaw collection</span></a>. Robert was a well-known and regarded collector who passed away in 1994. The photo is signed by Neil Armstrong, Joe Walker (d. 1966), John McKay (d. 1975), Bill Dana, Joe Engle, Forrest Peterson, Scott Crossfield, Robert Rushworth, Robert White, Pete Knight, and Milt Thompson. All are deceased except for Joe Engle. Walker and McKay died prematurely making them particularly tough autographs.</span></p>
<p><span>To my knowledge, no single item exists that was signed by all twelve X-15 pilots due to the untimely death of Mike Adams in an X-15 crash in 1967. So, eleven of the twelve is probably the best you will ever do. In speaking with other seasoned collectors, I am aware of only one other item signed by eleven.</span></p>
<p><span>As of this writing, the photo is at $2,716 with over a week until it closes. Where it ends will be anyone's guess, but I suspect some deep-pocketed collectors will be battling it out.</span></p>
<p><span>Steve Zarelli<br/> Zarelli Space Authentication<br/> <a href="http://www.SpaceLOA.com">www.SpaceLOA.com</a></span></p>The most valuable astronaut signed photo?tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2013-11-17:3524372:BlogPost:4728902013-11-17T01:30:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>At Steve Zarelli Space Authentication, I review thousands of autographed astronaut photos every year. Also, as a collector for over 15 years, I have seen many, many more.</p>
<p>So what is the most valuable and desirable single signed astronaut photo? Most people would probably assume it is a photo signed by Neil Armstrong. Armstrong unpersonalized white space suit portrait photos with a strong signature can fetch $5,000+. In a RR Auction Space Auction last fall, this…</p>
<p>At Steve Zarelli Space Authentication, I review thousands of autographed astronaut photos every year. Also, as a collector for over 15 years, I have seen many, many more.</p>
<p>So what is the most valuable and desirable single signed astronaut photo? Most people would probably assume it is a photo signed by Neil Armstrong. Armstrong unpersonalized white space suit portrait photos with a strong signature can fetch $5,000+. In a RR Auction Space Auction last fall, this <a href="http://www.rrauction.com/past_auction_item.cfm?ID=3276734" target="_blank">Neil Armstrong signed photo closed at $14, 350</a>.</p>
<p><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74138576?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>All that said, I will submit that the most valuable single signed astronaut photo is an unpersonalized white space suit photo signed by an astronaut many of you may not have heard of before - Jim Irwin.</p>
<p>Jim Irwin was the 8th man to walk on the moon with Apollo 15. He was a good signer prior to his untimely death in 1991. He signed many, many items and Irwin signatures can be had for as little as $30 - $50 on postal covers, cards, etc.</p>
<p>So, why would he be the most valuable single signed astronaut photo? He hated his NASA white space suit portrait and rarely signed it. If you sent him one, he would send another signed photo instead. I estimate I see 100 Neil Armstrong signed white space suit portraits for every 1 Irwin signed white space suit portrait. They are that rare. Maybe one or two come to market a year, and even less unpersonalized. Irwin frequently personalized, so unpersonalized examples are exceedingly rare.</p>
<p>And what makes this so valuable is many space collectors try to collect the "set" of white space suit portraits. So you have many collectors competing for an extremely rare signed item, even if an Irwin signature itself is very common.</p>
<p>Perhaps the finest <a href="http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=663" target="_blank">Jim Irwin signed white space suit photo</a> in existence is currently featured in the RR Auction Fall Space Auction. Not only is it signed perfectly, it boasts an exceptional inscription, "<span>Apollo 15 LMP, 8th moon walker, the chance of a lifetime."</span></p>
<p><span><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74138651?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I write this, bidding is up to $7,560 with a week to go. I would not be shocked to see this break $12,000.</p>
<p>Interestingly, after I reviewed and approved this item and the auction preview went online, noted collector and dealer <a href="http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum36/HTML/000374.html" target="_blank">Ken Havekotte wrote on CollectSpace</a> that he obtained this directly from Irwin when Irwin visited his Merritt Island, FL, home in July 1987. Havekotte went on to write he sold it many years ago, so apparently he is not the current consignor.</p>
<p>Here I am reviewing a stack of astronaut signed photos for the Fall 2013 RR Space Auction.</p>
<p><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/zipper68/Autographs/Fall2013SpaceAuctionReview5_zps984e1c0d.jpg~original?width=600" width="600"/></p>
<p>Steve Zarelli<br/> Zarelli Space Authentication</p>Neil Armstrong Autograph Study from Zarelli Space Authenticationtag:live.autographmagazine.com,2013-10-21:3524372:BlogPost:4628022013-10-21T00:00:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74138621?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200"></img></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As some of you know, my name is Steve Zarelli and I am an astronaut , cosmonaut and aviation autograph authenticator for RR Auction, JSA, SGC as well as dealers and collectors worldwide. I have been studying Neil Armstrong autographs</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> for over…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img width="200" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74138621?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200"/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As some of you know, my name is Steve Zarelli and I am an astronaut , cosmonaut and aviation autograph authenticator for RR Auction, JSA, SGC as well as dealers and collectors worldwide. I have been studying Neil Armstrong autographs</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> for over 15 years, and every week I examine multiple Neil Armstrong autographs for one or more of my clients.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">I have published a <a href="http://www.zarellispaceauthentication.com/neil-armstrong-autograph-study-by-steve-zarelli/" target="_blank">Neil Armstrong Autograph study</a> at my web site, <a href="http://www.SpaceLOA.com">www.ZarelliSpaceAuthentication.com</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">My Neil Armstrong study shows multiple exemplars over time and demonstrates how his signature evolved from pre-NASA through when he stopped signing in the 90s. I also have proxy/secretarial examples as well as an overview of some forgery styles from over the years... some quite recent from active forgers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Stay tuned because I plan on adding additional studies including Gus Grissom, Ed White and maybe more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Please check out the study when you get a chance and hopefully you find it informative.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Steve Zarelli<br/> Zarelli Space Authentication</span></p>James Stewart - suspected forgery style alerttag:live.autographmagazine.com,2012-07-14:3524372:BlogPost:2557602012-07-14T23:11:58.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p>Over the past few months I have noted an explosion of this James Stewart signature style on eBay. It seems as if some sellers have an endless supply of these signatures and they all have the same unusual characteristics.</p>
<ul>
<li>A sharp, "jerky" appearance</li>
<li>Letters smashed together with poor letter definition</li>
<li>Odd spacing between letters</li>
<li>Never personalized</li>
<li>Many of them do not appear to be on glossy photos... they are on cardstock prints</li>
</ul>
<p>I…</p>
<p>Over the past few months I have noted an explosion of this James Stewart signature style on eBay. It seems as if some sellers have an endless supply of these signatures and they all have the same unusual characteristics.</p>
<ul>
<li>A sharp, "jerky" appearance</li>
<li>Letters smashed together with poor letter definition</li>
<li>Odd spacing between letters</li>
<li>Never personalized</li>
<li>Many of them do not appear to be on glossy photos... they are on cardstock prints</li>
</ul>
<p>I have consulted with other experienced collectors and autograph industry professionals -- the consensus is these signatures are highly suspect.</p>
<p>Note this suspect style also appears on Harvey sketches. Click the graphic for full size.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74135014?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="700" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74135014?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="700" class="align-full"/></a></p>Operation Bullpen and the Marino Family Forgery Ring: Has anything changed?tag:live.autographmagazine.com,2012-06-26:3524372:BlogPost:2497132012-06-26T15:30:00.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><a href="http://autographmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Ruth_balls.Cover_finished.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://autographmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Ruth_balls.Cover_finished.jpg?width=350" width="350"></img></a> Over the past few days I have been re-reading <em>Operation Bullpen</em>, the story of the Marino Family Forgery Ring and how the FBI took them down. The last time I read it was several years ago.</p>
<p>Something that really struck me this time around was how self-conscious the ring was about their product being “high quality” and how nervous they got when “someone…</p>
<p><a href="http://autographmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Ruth_balls.Cover_finished.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://autographmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Ruth_balls.Cover_finished.jpg?width=350" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>Over the past few days I have been re-reading <em>Operation Bullpen</em>, the story of the Marino Family Forgery Ring and how the FBI took them down. The last time I read it was several years ago.</p>
<p>Something that really struck me this time around was how self-conscious the ring was about their product being “high quality” and how nervous they got when “someone was onto them.” For instance, the book recounts an incident where a collector returned a Jackie Robinson signed ball and a Roberto Clemente signed ball because he discovered the date of the ball made it impossible for them to be signed by Robinson or Clemente.</p>
<p>The leader of the ring, Wayne Bray, went into a fury because of this sloppiness and was especially angry at John DiMaggio (J. DiMaggio COAs) for issuing certs for these provably fake items. They counted on DiMaggio to rubber stamp items, but he was also essentially quality control. If something was a poor quality forgery, DiMaggio was not supposed to cert it.</p>
<p>Further, they got really nervous when some of the sellers they distributed to were removed by eBay. Once their sellers started getting removed from eBay, they feared law enforcement would soon follow. (Which it did.)</p>
<p>What makes this so interesting is the contrast with many of the fakes we see today certed by the usual suspects on the eBay banned COA list. The usual suspects on the eBay banned list – as well as some others – cert items that are laughably bad and obvious forgeries. There is no “quality control.” They apparently thumb their noses at law enforcement with no fear of consequences.</p>
<p>Message board threads like this one -- and many others here -- would have sent Wayne Bray and the Marinos into cardiac arrest. Yet, today’s crop of forgers, sellers and their “authenticating” accomplices don’t seem to care if almost every educated collector and dealer in the world is “onto them.” As long as there is a “greater fool” willing to buy their product, they plow on… offering countless obviously bad items in scores of venues.</p>
<p>So, how is it a decade after the biggest forgery bust in the world, the autographed collectibles market is perhaps flooded with more fakes than ever?</p>Hitler learns his fake autographs have been banned from eBaytag:live.autographmagazine.com,2012-04-28:3524372:BlogPost:2353322012-04-28T23:49:22.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NOf-yn9ExRs?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NOf-yn9ExRs?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>UACC - Special offer for new members and renewalstag:live.autographmagazine.com,2012-03-12:3524372:BlogPost:2243262012-03-12T21:10:53.000ZSteve Zarellihttps://live.autographmagazine.com/profile/MrZipper
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">UACC - GREAT NEW MEMBER & RENEWAL OFFER</span></strong><br></br></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Some exciting news from the UACC ... there are a number of new board members including Tricia Eaton, John Reznikoff and myself (Steve Zarelli). We are looking at new and exciting ways to grow the UACC with a focus on online initiatives, publications, signature…</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">UACC - GREAT NEW MEMBER & RENEWAL OFFER</span></strong><br/></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Some exciting news from the UACC ... there are a number of new board members including Tricia Eaton, John Reznikoff and myself (Steve Zarelli). We are looking at new and exciting ways to grow the UACC with a focus on online initiatives, publications, signature studies and more. As always, we are looking for an energized, engaged membership to promote and protect the hobby we all love.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">For all those of you that have not joined the UACC we have a special offer. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>The first 750 who join or renew their UACC membership will receive a FREE Rudy Vallée signed check.</strong></span> Vallée was the Sinatra of the 1920s and went on to perform on film, stage and radio. A $50.00 value, yours free for any renewal or new membership.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74134267?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">UACC Registered Dealers the first 70 who renew or join will receive a Ralph Kiner signed check. A $90.00 value, yours for just renewing or applying for membership.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;" class="font-size-3">To learn more about the UACC or to join, please go to <a href="http://www.uacc.org/"><span style="color: #ff0000;">www.uacc.org</span></a>.</span></p>