Authenticity is Everything
Billie Holiday Autograph
I purchased this 78 vinyl record purportedly signed by Billie Holiday from an RACC trusted seller. I recently submitted the item to JSA for authentication, and unfortunately it did not pass.
I originally submitted it in person at a show here in CA a few weeks ago, and I was disappointed by how carelessly the item was handled during intake. When I received it back, there were fingerprints all over it. I contacted JSA immediately to report the condition, and they did expedite the review process.
Yesterday I received their letter confirming that the autograph did not pass authentication. I’m extremely disappointed and unsure what my next step should be, or if anyone here might be able to offer advice.
Prior to purchasing the item, I did my research and examined the signature characteristics—such as the looping of “Billie” and the shape of the “H” in “Holiday.” However, upon further inspection, the signature appears to have been written in ballpoint pen. Additionally, the Blue Ace label is known to be a bootleg label, and this particular pressing seems to have been released slightly before the time of her passing.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo
-
I think Eva see it. There is a stroke there that should not be there.
-
Permalink Reply by Ryan Wolfson
-
I do as well.
-
Permalink Reply by a pug called eva
-
Ryan, surely you kept the JSA letter? I have no clue what JSA charge for a full authenticity check but I assume you didn't get much change out of $200. I would think the letter is something that Roger should see and comment on - preferably before but at least after he gives his opinion.
-
-
+11 All of it. The thread full.
-
-
They charged $150. I want a fresh opinion from Roger.
-
-
You have opinions with reasons etc.. Free.
-
-
Leaving out all the damning information?
-
-
Will leave that for an expert to determine.
-
Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin
-
JSA probably uses one of several canned letters for rejections. PSA used to, or still does.
-
-
Sorry, what is that?
-
-
Don't give weight to the reason(s) that PSA/JSA/BAS give for rejecting an autograph as likely not real. I don't know of a major TPA that has authenticators write the rejection letters. They don't have time. Someone who is not an authenticator either uses the same one for everything, or selects from one of several.
The reasons for rejection are usually absolutely useless.
-
-
Ryan, how accurate is the pen ink color in the photo to the color in person? Same for the label paper and ink.
Was the pen's blue ink available in mass-market pens in the later 1950s? I don't know.
Sign up for our Newsletter!
© 2026 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin.
Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
