nobody can really tell from a photo, unless they are privy to it being sold a facsimile ball.
There are only 2 dealers I would trust to know. Richard Simon and or Jim Stinson.
An "authenticator" he showed a photo to is probably one rung lower than a buffoon, but I do appreciate them erroring on the side of caution. If the guy want's his money back, just give it to him, resell it and move on. Good Luck