Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 6, 2018 at 5:24pm

I've been bitten by the hasty purchase a number of times. Twice on Paul McCartney signatures. Fortunately, always got my money back and the experience helped me resolve to learn more about his autograph. Poor decisions teach us a lot.

I also have just as many experiences in be too patient in making a decision. One, in particular, I found a near perfect Madonna signature for $250. A real gem. I was in such shock that I thought there had to be something wrong. Needless to say it was long gone in short order.

I've come to the conclusion to prepare well in advance and be ready to jump when the time calls. Opportunities happen in the least expected moments.

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Permalink Reply by Danny Francis on July 6, 2018 at 7:01pm

Babe ruth baseball. Yes I did. 

$3000 worth of sports forgeries in December.  Again yes I did

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 6, 2018 at 7:10pm

Hopefully you got your money back, Danny. We all have a desire to trust people though, far to often, people take advantage of that. Good to know you didn't give up on the hobby because of that.

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Permalink Reply by sling on July 8, 2018 at 7:23am

so sorry

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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on July 6, 2018 at 7:43pm

Dave Clark. It wasn't a big financial loss, but it was pretty annoying. I purchased a Dave Clark "signed" LP and later found that the signature is consistent with a forgery style. It came from what I thought was a reputable seller, and it was authenticated by JSA. I contacted JSA, but they didn't seem too interested. They wanted me to send them the LP, which I didn't think was necessary.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher on July 6, 2018 at 9:48pm

This is a great question.  Have purchased plenty of autographs on uncontrollable impulse early in the collecting experience.  One that comes to mind was an authentic and complete DMB Before These Crowded Streets CD book.  Anything signed by the original 5 is quite rare, and I’ve never seen a complete BTCS signed album.  Problem was that all signatures were in blue or maybe even black sharpie.  On that cover art, dark ink is impossible to see.  So I later sold the piece, lost a little money and moved on.  Later got extremely lucky and found a blue tinted drumhead signed by all five original members - checked with Roger before buying and got a thumbs-up.  It’s a phenomenal piece which is beautifully framed and on my wall to this day.  

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Permalink Reply by sling on July 8, 2018 at 7:27am

DMB is unbelievable- Don't know about line up, am learning from people like you. How long where original five together? How long did it take band to become popular?

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Permalink Reply by James on July 6, 2018 at 10:51pm

The first autograph I ever paid money for, besides Mickey Mantle for a $10 fee when I was 10yo, was a Michael Jordan signed photo.  It was around 1994 or 1995, and I just decided I had to have a Michael Jordan autograph because he was being described by many as the greatest basketball player of all-time.  So I went to a sports memorabilia store in a local mall.  I was about 30yo.  I knew the owner a little bit from buying some baseball cards from him in the past.  So I asked him if he had any Michael Jordan autographs for sale.  He said they were all out, but he could get me one.  I was very green.  He said he knew reputable vendors, and it would be easy for him to get me one.  So I asked how much, and he said $130 plus tax.  I said ...sounds great.

About a week later, my order was in, and I got my MJ signed 8x10.  But right away I started wondering if it was real.  I even called the company from which the store owner had ordered the item.  Of course, they assured me it was real.  But after awhile, I learned that most Jordan autographs that were not from UDA (Upper Deck Authenticated) were most likely fake, and I came to realize that mine was a fake as well.  I didn’t even bother to ask for a refund for what today would be about $260 in 2018 dollars I’m guessing.  A few years later, I paid $1200 for a Jordan UDA signed Red Chicago Bulls away jersey directly from a dealer in Chicago.  In this hobby, you get burned and you learn...the hard way.

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on July 7, 2018 at 6:27am

I have certainly had my share of episodes getting burned (fake stones signed album, fake wings signed album by the s cal forgers which I bought over 15 years ago), but what I regret more is having sold so many of my pristine items back around 2003-2004, for what today would be considered tremendous bargains.  I regret more, not having the items than what I sold them for.  Single signed Beatles photos, Elton John, Ty Cobb check, Jackie Robinson signed index card, etc etc.  

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on July 7, 2018 at 6:42am

I think we all have that "wish I knew then what I know now" thoughts. I see collecting, whether autographs or anything else, as an evolving and growing experience. We let go of the old in order to get something new. Unless you have deep pockets you can't keep it all. The main point is to enjoy the ride.

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Permalink Reply by sling on July 8, 2018 at 7:30am

i have similar regrets in rock world-earliest Led Zep signaqtures, at one time had probably finest collection of female musician lyrics around but had to sell to raise money-

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Permalink Reply by MJ Emigh on July 7, 2018 at 7:26am

The first autograph I ever bought. It was about twenty years ago. A guy who was in a bad financial situation needed to raise money fast and was selling some of his prized possessions. Among them was a George Harrison "Somewhere In England" album. It sure looked like what I remembered as George's signature on the trading cards from the 60s. How could I possibly go wrong for a hundred bucks?

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