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

Trying to Prove a point to PSA/DNA on authenticating junk Andy Griffith items

I really need some help here if someone can help. I have been collecting/ buying/selling Andy Griffith Show items for well over 25 years now. Andy Griffith personally didn't like signing autographs, he would have his manager Richard O Linke answer his fan club mail and other mail and send back a signed item. Problem was it wasn't Andy's signature. Mr. Linke practiced it until both himself and Andy liked it enough they thought they would fool fans. Problem is it isn't hard at all to tell the "Real" Andy Griffith autograph compared to Mr. Linke's version. Thing is there are probably 95 faked items to every 5 legit items. Over the past 3-5 years I have began to notice all of these PSA/DNA items come out. They are the wrong signature that is being authenticating. I can prove it to anyone who is interested in seeing this in less than 5 minutes time. I tried to tweet Steve Grad. What did he do he blocked me within 30 seconds and will not look at anything I send him. I emailed them no response. If anyone on here has any ideas on how I can contact them please, please tell me. They are ruining the Andy Griffith autograph hobby. Andy just didn't sign many items therefore they should be worth a considerable amount. Luckily when I list an Andy Griffith item on ebay I tell buyers to please read the description and email me any items they have a question about. I have now helped over 50 people stay away from bogus items. But others have spent hundreds of dollars on bogus autographs. I will be glad to prove this to anyone that can affect change at the top. I would love for them t recall all of the items they have authenticated. As they are basically worthless.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike T on March 6, 2015 at 7:23pm

PSA has been authenticating secretarial Griffiths for years and years, I doubt they will change, but call them up and ask... If you present a logical argument to them they would be stupid not to hear you out... What they chose to do with the information is another matter entirely. Personally I don't see them revoking certificates for past items, but they may stop authenticating them moving forward which means you still made a difference.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Frank Johnson on March 6, 2015 at 7:27pm

Mike, I appreciate the response. I have actually called the 800 number 2 different times. They seem to be interested in what I have to say and promise they will pass on my concerns to someone that will address it. And that someone WILL call me back. So far no call backs. It is so frustrating when you know without any doubt you are right, but no one cares. What is worst of all is seeing people throw good money away on ebay for this junk.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike T on March 6, 2015 at 7:37pm

Absolutely it's frustrating, but any knowledgeable collector should know these things... If they are buying autographs based solely on the sticker than they do not know what they are doing. Best we can do is to continue to educate collectors and pass on our knowledge to try to help them. If I help one person avoid buying a forgery, I like to think I made a difference.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 6, 2015 at 7:39pm

I have seen precious few legitimate Andy Griffith signed photographs etc. and myself I stick with his personal checks. I have never paid much attention to signed photographs on ebay of Andy like you said just too many Linke ones out there. Hope you will share some of your knowledge in the TAGS group it would be greatly appreciated.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Frank Johnson on March 6, 2015 at 7:46pm

Guys you are right we need to keep spreading the word. Unfortunately many buyers see the PSA sticker or slabbing and who do you think they are going to believe. Me a common guy who is selling on ebay or PSA, someone who is supposed to be one of the best in the business. I have convinced a few sellers to pull their items even though PSA had authenticated them. But probably 8 out of every 10 of the sellers don't believe me and think I am just trying to con them into not selling their items.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by N.Steiger on March 7, 2015 at 2:13am

The only way anyone can every get a coorperation to take them seriously to take it viral. Make a youtube video. Title it "PSA/DNA is authentication fake autographs and doesn't care to fix it", They can't block you there.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Frank Johnson on March 7, 2015 at 11:49am

Thanks for the replies and helpful information. I also was emailing websites about the issues. Hauls of Shame responded to me and asked me to submit my proof to them. Looks like they have no problem going after PSA. Not sure if it will do any good or not, but I just emailed them my proof. I really am not "After" PSA, just want them to stop putting junk out on the market. I figured they would at least do some research before authenticating something. Again, thanks to all of you for responding. We have to stick together.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Viola on March 7, 2015 at 5:31am

I can certainly vouch for him not liking to sign. I encountered him once in NYC, Nasty experience.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gary Wedemeyer on March 13, 2015 at 8:38am

Great post Frank. I’ve been collecting and dealing in “Mayberry” related signatures for over 30 years. I’ve promoted, or helped promote, several Mayberry Reunion shows in the past and have gotten to know many of the cast members on a personal level. All great people.

I’ve been trying to educate folks on authentic Griffith signatures for years now. I hate to see people spend their hard earned money on junk.

I used to think the Richard Linke signature was the real deal. . . until I had him sign a Griffith signature for me in person. He explained that all “thru the mail” autograph requests were sent to a PO Box in North Carolina. They were then boxed up and sent to him in Hawaii where he signed them and sent back to the PO Box in North Carolina where they were then sent back to the folks who requested an autograph.

I recently put up an auction on eBay trying to show folks again how to tell a real signature from a fake. Here’s a link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/151608982563?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&...

The first line says “Please do not bid on this auction – you will win nothing but some advice” As of now it has 7 bids and “nothing” is up to $30!

All we can do is keep trying to spread the word. Here is another way I try to show folks. Check out this video at about the 6:40 mark and see the man himself sign his name. It looks nothing like the Richard Linke sample. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GCUmpMH6RY

Following up on the youtube suggestion by N. Steiger, I may try to contact Mr. Linke and see if I can persuade him on making a little video. It’s worth a shot. All he can say is no.

Thanks again for the post! We need more honest people out there!