"It is very disturbing and disheartening."
Authenticity is Everything
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Steve Zarelli
- Male
- Ballston Lake, NY
- United States
- Blog Posts (19)
- Discussions (4784)
- Photos (9)
- Photo Albums
Steve Zarelli's Discussions
Are Facebook Autograph Groups Safe?
Started this discussion. Last reply by terrier8HOF Feb 25, 2023. 5 Replies 4 Likes
This may be a more controversial topic... but here we go! :-)Continue
How valuable is eBay feedback for autographs?
Started this discussion. Last reply by Steve Zarelli Dec 31, 2023. 49 Replies 6 Likes
New video drop! Please subscribe to my channel, and as always, your feedback is welcome. :-)Continue
How to buy autographs on eBay; Tips to avoid fakes on eBay
Started this discussion. Last reply by Garrett Meadows Apr 10, 2024. 74 Replies 13 Likes
My latest Collectibles Chat video is "How to buy autographs on eBay." While it has something for everyone, it is most valuable to newer collectors by providing tips to avoid fakes.Please subscribe to…Continue
Autographed CDs and Vinyl - 15% off at Newbury Comics
Started Dec 7, 2020 0 Replies 0 Likes
Over the weekend Newbury had 25% their autographed items. If you missed that, they have 15% off today and tomorrow. Some good stuff here. I picked up signed CDs from Steve Howe, Belly and Vandenberg.…Continue
Steve Zarelli's Page
Latest Activity
"I think "Contemporary Composite" - "Pastiche" is not going to do the job in this case. All items should come with a date on the letter (they do I IIRC) or the (darn) sticker so "contemporary" has some meaning to the…"
"Good heavens my typing - "novice" not "noce" ;)"
"Whatever else can be said about this practice, it has become very popular in the hobby in recent years. I've especially surprised to see how it's caught on with some U.S. historical material. "
"Thanks, Eric. It actually just had a look about it with everything centered within the text including the dedication. Also, it’s sheet music, which I had seen used for Macca and John and Yoko overprints."
"I'm doing well. This is an interesting topic to me. I first encountered this practice with U.S. Presidential material (like those Trump pieces)."
"Ouch. It is indeed the same. Mark, your eye and memory and remarkable."
"It’s hard to tell based on that image, but I found an earlier one."
"I just got reminded of a cut signature card that contained a SECRETARIAL example of Helen Keller’s signature. It came from one of those fundraising letters that were known for having secretarial signatures. It looked fake too...all the letters…"
""I wish the industry/hobby would agree on - and consistently use - a term for these fantasies/concoctions."
Me too. But, that would benefit US. I don't see that as part of their business model. They are, on occasion, slabbing…"
"+1. I came up with "contemporary pastiche" - either, were they implemented - heading in the right direction. I am thinking of those recently created "cut cards" like my sold Lugosi with the added new photo etc. A vintage album…"
"Composite would be a suitable term, i.m.o."
"Sorry - I meant "novice" not "nove"..."
" If "we" can't tell what would a nove think that means? This is slippery territory.
How are you Eddy? :-)"
"Yes. It speaks, intentionally or not, the the intent of the creator. That title should go to the original signer alone. Terminology should be standardized and clear. What would a noce interpret from "authentic Auto/Print" or…"
"I've noticed that PSA usually gives some hint that the item is not as it appears, such as using the words "cyut", "sheet", or in this case "print".
The Clapton here is listed as "sheet…"
About Me
- What kind of member are you? (Check as many as apply.)
- Collector, Professional Authenticator
- What would you like to tell us about yourself, your collecting, or business.
- I collect Space and aviation. NY Yankees, Baseball HOF, political and some classic Hollywood.
I am the owner of Steve Zarelli Space Authentication. I provide autograph authentication consulting services to individual collectors, dealers and organizations, including: RR Auction, James Spence Authentication (JSA), Sportscard Guaranty Authentic (SGC), PSA/DNA Authentication and others.
- What is your level of expertise?
- Advanced Collector, Professional
- Why do you want to join Autograph Live?
- Meeting and discussing autographs with other seasoned collectors.
- Who can we thank for telling you about us?
- N/A
- What are your areas of interest?
- Sports, History/Politics, Books/Literature, SciFi, Space/Aviation/Military
- Why do you collect?
- I love the connection with history and the wonder of signed items that passed though the hands of historical figures.
- What is your favorite autograph in your collection?
- Hard to pick just one. Favorites include Reagans, Armstrong, Jimmy Stewarts, Mariano Rivera game used baseballs.
- You can ask anyone living or dead for their autograph. Who would it be?
- Abraham Lincoln
Steve Zarelli's Photos
Steve Zarelli's Blog
Jimmy Stewart | Not so wonderful fakes
Posted on December 5, 2023 at 9:21am 12 Comments 2 Likes
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.
However, one key piece has eluded me - that is a signed photo from It's a Wonderful Life.
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…
ContinueThe story of Neil Armstrong signed NASA portraits
Posted on April 6, 2022 at 6:47am 9 Comments 9 Likes
Authenticity opinions received through Facebook groups? Out!
Posted on July 14, 2021 at 1:30pm 16 Comments 6 Likes
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.
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…
ContinueWhat are Autopen signatures? How to identify Autopens and myths!
Posted on February 19, 2020 at 5:00am 9 Comments 12 Likes
Hey gang... please check out my new video and be sure to subscribe to my channel! :-)
Collectibles Chat Episode 7: Collectibles Chat with Steve Zarelli, Zarelli Space Authentication.
What are Autopen autographs; how to identify Autopen autographs; and Autopen myths.
I close the episode with a collecting tip.…
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