We are an eBay affiliate and may be compensated for clicks on links that result in purchases.

Autograph Authentication

I am not a collector but came across some old autographed pictures at a yard sale. I thought they were interesting and purchased them. I was curious to see what they are worth and how i can get them authenticated by someone who is legitimate. I am interested in selling them if they are of any value. The one from the cast of Bonanza has all the signatures except Pernell Roberts, Lorne Greene signed but the signature is very faded. The pic and signature of Lash LaRue is very good. All the pictures are 8X10 and in good shape. If anyone can point me in the right direction on how to get them authenticated and how to sell them I would greatly appreciate it.

0 members like this

Attachments: No photo uploads here

IMG_1326.JPG, 2.4 MB
IMG_1331.JPG, 3 MB
IMG_1328.JPG, 2.7 MB

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James on June 9, 2018 at 11:13pm

If authentic, my understanding is the autograph of Dan Blocker is worth quite a bit because he did not sign a lot of items. But I couldn’t begin to tell you if it’s authentic. The 3 supposedly legitimate autograph authentication companies are PSA/DNA, JSA, and Beckett (BAS). I say supposedly because they make their share of mistakes, but if they pass an item, it typically trades in the hobby as authentic...even if occasionally it’s not.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cindy Gregorich on June 10, 2018 at 7:41am

Thank you so much for your response. Do you send it into these companies for authentication? What if they don’t return? If they are authentic do you know how I go about selling them? I wasn’t really interested in them but for $2 each I thought they were probably worth more than that. Again thanks for your help.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jordan Lee on June 10, 2018 at 10:51am

Hi Cindy!

Generally, the way these companies work is yes, you send them the items and they send them back to you once they’ve finished their assessment. This is a necessary step, as they need to be sure, as best they can, that your item is not a photocopy/fascimile, ie- that it’s actually been signed.

If you are anxious about mailing your photos - which I totally understand - the companies also attend events, where they will authenticate your items in person and you get it back on the same day. Check their web sites to see if there’s any events coming up near you. These are usually held at collectors’ conventions, sports cards/memorabilia shops, etc.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cindy Gregorich on June 10, 2018 at 11:05am

Thank you so much, you have been very helpful.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James on June 10, 2018 at 1:23pm

Yes, you do have to send the items in. Authentication can be expensive. I checked on the fee for Dan Blocker which is $50 for PSA/DNA. Plus, you have to pay for sending and return of the item with insurance plus tax. Other autographs are more, some less. JFK costs $150 for instance while Babe Ruth is $300. And if they believe your item is not authentic, they still keep your money...but you do get the item back.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cindy Gregorich on June 10, 2018 at 1:33pm

Great advice. Thanks!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James on June 10, 2018 at 2:30pm

You’re welcome. And btw, you might want to do another discussion and post the pic with Dan Blocker. Maybe title it, “Dan Blocker/ Bonnaza autographs,” and see if any members believe the autographs, particularly Blocker’s, are real. That might give you an idea whether or not sending it in is worth it. Honestly, there are members here who are more qualified than the third-party authenticators.