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Disney Authenticated Memorabilia: Greta Garbo Signed Photo - Real Or Fake?

      Hi- I recently came across (and passed on) an eBay listing for a "signed" photo of screen legend Greta Garbo that was being sold by someone who claimed to be a Head Talent Scout & Event Coordinator for "Disneyland Attractions". His description for this listing read, in part:

      "Greta Garbo signed photo matte non glossy cardboard type photo 8 X 9 inches signed 1988 outside the Lunt Fontaine theater, NYC. This Greta Garbo signed photo was gotten straight out of the Disneyland Attractions "vault" warehouse and comes with a COA. Both the COA and the autographed photo have Disneyland stamps on the back to prevent duplication. 100% authentic and guaranteed for the lifetime that you own the item."

     

As a collector of vintage Hollywood memorabilia, I recognized this as a great opportunity to acquire one of the rarest of autographs, as Garbo's famous online declaration "I want to be alone!" (a misquote of the original line that has nonetheless been repeatedly quoted as if accurate, but I digress...) seemed to reflect her private sentiment as well, choosing to live her later life in relative obscurity. I've always been aware that her signature was indeed exceedingly rare.

      So my inquiry is two-fold here. First, I'd like to know what any knowledgeable collector(s) think of the likelihood that the signature is authentic. Secondly, I'd like to know if anyone has knowledge or an opinion regarding the seller of this signed photo.

      I'm aware of Disney World Co. and the formerly related SIG's (good) and Starabilias (bad) but I've been unable to find anything concrete on this particular Seller. His business card states "Downtown Disney" (Anaheim, Ca.) but he's residing in Boca Raton, Fla.? I guess if he's truly a Disney Associate his position might call for him to be bi-coastal, working with Disney World in Orlando, Fla., but Orlando is still 194 miles and nearly 3 hours from Boca Raton. Either way, that's QUITE a commute!

      Has anyone ever seen a Disney COA that looks like this (Mickey stamp on the verso, et al)? BTW- I ultimately passed on this for the following reasons:

1. No verifiable info on this Seller's reputation. His business card lists a website of www.DisneylandAttractions.com, which brings up a minimalist page with brief descriptions of Disney attractions and links to discount travel packages. Nothing here confirms any ACTUAL Disney-related partnership that I can ascertain.

2. While the signature appears similar to accepted exemplars, I was unable to find a single example with the Inscription "Love" before the signature (seems out of character for the very serious and reserved actress).

3. Typo in the business card text ("Downtow Disney"?) would seem unlikely to be acceptable by Disney Corporation standards.

      You'd think that Disney would have shut this guy's website down if he was misrepresenting himself as a Disney entity, right? Still, I passed on my gut instinct alone. I just hope I didn't pass up the chance of a lifetime here. Photos of the autograph in question, as well as the accompanying COA and Seller's business card, can be seen below. The very last photo is a PSA DNA authenticated example of Garbo's signature on a personal check, included here for comparison purposes. Your thoughts please...    Thank in advance. -Syren

Tags: Disney, Disneyland, Garbo, Hollywood, World

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 5, 2017 at 4:32pm

Good questions. Why not just ask Mick - I mean Disney? Sorry for the big space below - no idea why it is there.

Permalink Reply by Syreena Sexxton on March 5, 2017 at 5:11pm

Thanks for the quick reply Eric. I wouldn't know who to forward this to at Disney. Any Suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Rich on March 5, 2017 at 5:15pm

I actually sent it through Disney's website, specifically Disneyland Resort. It may or may not be something they take action on, but I have to think it certainly is something they could go after the guy for if he wanted. It's a phony COA issued by someone pretending to be something they're not.

Permalink Reply by Syreena Sexxton on March 13, 2017 at 11:01pm

Thanks for passing this along to Disney Rich, though a week has passed and he's still up and running with multiple listings on eBay. I was looking up some Ramones listing and found a band-signed drumhead listed by this guy boasting a COA from Brian Eick, of Antiquities Of California, a UACC authorized authenticator who, I gather from a cursory search here At AML, is no less shady.

Permalink Reply by Rich on March 14, 2017 at 5:38am

I did get a response that they were taking is seriously and had passed the info along, although I'm not sure that means they'll actually take any action.

I didn't even realize Antiquities was a UACC authorized authenticator. What a low standard that organization has these days.

Permalink Reply by Syreena Sexxton on March 14, 2017 at 6:17am

Well. his listing stated as much anyways. Of course, that doesn't mean it's necessarily true. Perhaps it's just one of those "alternate facts" I keep hearing so much about these days...

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on March 5, 2017 at 4:32pm

I think you are wise!

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 5, 2017 at 4:33pm

Indeed - A+++.

Permalink Reply by Syreena Sexxton on March 5, 2017 at 5:12pm

I'm trying to get better at this Joe. Been burned too many times...

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on March 5, 2017 at 5:22pm

I know how you feel. Been there many times myself.

Permalink Reply by Rich on March 5, 2017 at 4:33pm

This looks like a massive scam, starting with the website. "Disneyland Attractions" is not a real company, nor is it affiliated with The Walt Disney Company or Disneyland Resort. 

You may want to forward this to Disney, as there are several issues here they might take interest in, including a business card that uses it's corporate icon and falsely implies he represents the company. Anthony Michael-Angelo Pascale has some questions to answer.

I wouldn't even consider any autograph from a person like this. Your instincts were correct.

Permalink Reply by Syreena Sexxton on March 5, 2017 at 5:13pm

Thanks for your comments Rich.

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