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Authenticity is Everything
American Royal Arts Corp. and Jerry Gladstone Sued by Beatles Expert Frank Caiazzo [Apr. 13 Update]
"Frank Caiazzo v. American Royal Arts Corp. and Jerry Gladstone" was filed Thursday morning, Sept. 23, in the New York State Supreme Court, Nassau County.
According to the suit, Caiazzo seeks to recover compensatory damages, punitive damages and legal fees of no less than $500,000. The causes of action listed in the suit include: Defamation, Trade Libel, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, and Prima Facie Tort.
Caiazzo's damages claimed in the suit revolve around a lawsuit American Royal Arts filed against him in Florida for calling a Revolver album they sold as signed by the Beatles a forgery. After almost three years, that case hasn't moved beyond a battle over jurisdiction. Last fall the Lower Court ruled that Florida was the proper venue for the case, and Caiazzo has appealed the decision.
Ironically, American Royal Arts' lawsuit against Caiazzo caught the attention of the New York Office of the FBI, which launched a criminal investigation into Jerry Gladstone and a number of his associates, including American Royal Arts' autograph suppliers and authenticators, over the suspected trafficking in forged autographs and memorabilia. The investigation is ongoing.
On August 14, 2010, American Royal Arts filed for an "Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors," a Florida form of corporate dissolution similar to a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court. According to reported deposition testimony by American Royal Arts VP Agnes Palmer, inventory unsalable due to the FBI investigation was one of the leading reasons for the filing.
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The album above is the Revolver album purportedly signed by the Beatles that American Royal Arts sued Frank Caiazzo over for calling a Southern California forgery. Jerry Gladstone never posted the album online and it was not attached as an exhibit to the lawsuit.
We don't know anyone who has seen the Revolver album since the suit was filed. While not a trusted source, one of American Royal Arts' authenticators, Mike Frost of P.A.A.S., told us that he asked to see the Revolver album and Gladstone refused to even show it to him.
See the related story: Beatles-Signed Abbey Road Albums: What's Real? What's Fake?
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Comment by Mike B. on February 16, 2012 at 4:52pm
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So I just found this link and I'm sick to my stomach. I bought three pieces from ARA. Is there anything I can do?!?! I spent a good deal of $. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mike
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I should have mentioned this was several years ago....06/07 perhaps? I can't remember for sure. I feel like an f'n moron. I really thought I researched this.....guess I got the shaft. Damn.
Mike B.
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Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on February 16, 2012 at 5:36pm
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Mike B...there may be something you can do. Upload your images here. What do you have?
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I hAve 3 framed albums. One signed by the members of Led Zep, one by U2 and another of The Bands Last Waltz sound by several artists. I'll take some photos and upload in the next day or so. I was suspicious of authenticity when I made the purchase, but checked w/ the BBB and read several reviews. The fact they had a "forensic specialist" was also part of the decision. I really thought I did my homework before I pulled the trigger. Anyway, I'll upload the pics and hopefully you can provide some direction. Thank you so much for replying to my post.
Mike
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Comment by Rick Garceau on February 22, 2012 at 8:34pm
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Mike, I also purchased a Last Waltz piece. I will have pictures uploaded for an upcoming story as soon as I can finish it I would like to see your photos. Let me know if I can help.
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Rick - thanks for the offer. I'm writing up a letter detailing my experience & plan to post it along with pics of all my pieces. I should have it finished shortly. I have filed a claim with Gladstone's liquidation company Michael Moecker & Assoc., but they haven't been very willing to help. The receptionist wouldn't even transfer me to the lawyer handling the case (Philip Von Kahle) and now they won't return calls or emails. They've pretty much been useless. Talk with you soon.
Mike
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perhaps one should contact the courts with regards to this if it's still in bankruptcy proceedings and under court jurisdiction.
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I copied in Kahle, and both Moecker & Gladstone's legal council. I couldn't find the judges info yet but I'm working on it. I called Moecker's office again this morning to confirm my paperwork was received. The woman I spoke with last week was out & no one else there knew anything....big surprise.
Comment
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