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Purchased "Authentic" autographed by The Rolling Stones that PSA/DNA discredited

A few months back I picked up an encased guitar signed by The Rolling Stones at a store called Antiquities International in the Forum shops at Caesars Palace for roughly $2500. I have to admit that I have no experience when it comes to autographs but because the store was located in a major hotel among some of the finest stores (Prada, Coach, Tiffanys, etc.) and that I researched the store's reputation on the web, I wrongly assumed I was dealing with a reputable dealer. After the purchase they shipped it to me and I proudly hung it in my den and enjoyed seeing it whenever I entered the room.
A couple of weeks ago I was on the web again and came across an article that caused some concern about the guitars that are sold as authentic often aren't, regardless of where they're purchased so I decided to seek out someone or a service that can verify the signatures authenticity. I learned that a company PSA/DNA would be in the Chicago area on May 22nd (yesterday) and that their stamp of approval would remove any doubt about the autographs. I paid $200 to the store owner where PSA/DNA was working that day, gave him the guitar and waited patiently for about thirty minutes for the outcome. Upon his return he gave me the guitar and, to my disappointment informed me that it didn't pass scrutiny. With that he sent me on my way with a promise I would receive documentation in the mail to that effect. When I reached my car I immediately called Antiquities International where I bought the guitar and the person went on to tell me that PSA/DNA aren't the last word when it came to forensic analysis and that I would need to find someone with credentials that would hold up in court to credit or discredit the authenticity of the autographs. I learned later in the day that I might have a chance for a refund because I used an American Express card to buy it but I'll need the documentation first. I can't even put into words how disappointed I am with this issue. I invite any comments, suggestions, expertise, or guidance in this matter but I have little hope that it will end well. That said, I still would like to purchase the real thing and in addition to your comments ask where I might find one that is above reproach as far as its authenticity. I thank you all in advance for taking the time to read this and hope for the best.
Sincerely, Joe

Tags: Antiquities, Rolling, Stones, guitar, international

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 24, 2015 at 12:32pm

Thanks again Steve. I will abide your advice, put my time in with the hope that opportunity meets hard work and I am rewarded with my end goal. You and your members offer an outstanding source of information and I appreciate all of it. I feel fortunate to have found this site and the helpfulness that it offers. I hope this finds you well and I'm sure we'll be in touch again. I am not aware of Mr. Epperson but I assure you I will be by day's end. I also invite any continued input on your part or anyone else for that matter.

Sincerely, Joe

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Permalink Reply by Michael Kasmar-AutographPros.com on May 25, 2015 at 5:32pm

I have an album signed by the entire band and is accompanied by photos and video of the band signing the exact LP. ROLLING STONES AUTOGRAPHED ALBUM - CLICK HERE

I also have a guitar signed in person and if you're more comfortable can make the sale contingent on it passing PSA which I know it will Rolling Stones Autographed Guitar - CLICK HERE

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Permalink Reply by Dan Gregory on May 23, 2015 at 11:46pm

Hi Joe, firstly welcome and I am sorry to hear you have been ripped off. Sadly you are not the first and will not be the last as I have recently been assisting someone here in New Zealand who purchased 2 items from the same people and both are bad forgeries and it is a long process but will pay off.

I don't know the US system as well as Steve etc but people here can and will help you. Most of us started in this hobby by purchasing items we look back on now and wonder how or why so you are far from alone. Clearly the next step is to seek to help you obtain a refund and try to make others aware of the actions of this company.

Obviously PSA have rejected the item and I would recommend you post an image here. I would also recommend asking someone such as Roger Epperson for a quick opinion to get a second authenticator to verify if the item is a fake and add further strength to your case.

With 2 authenticators and help from people here a credit card company will almost certainly have to look at your case and look to do a charge back on this. I would also perhaps report them to the Better Business Bureau or local Sheriff but get help from Steve etc who know the system in the US better than me as these may also file reports to help your case.

Hopefully you can soon be on the way to a refund and I look forward to seeing the scan.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 24, 2015 at 9:51am

Dan,

I appreciate your empathy and kind words regarding this issue. I will do as you've suggested and post a couple of pics of the guitar. Unfortunately I have yet to navigate through this website but I'm assuming that Mr. Epperson is associated with, if not the founder of this site and I will request his attention to this matter once I've found where to do that. I would appreciate any suggestions as far as who I might go to for a second opinion as my trust level of people in this business has dropped dramatically. Thank you for the welcome letter, I appreciate that. It's just too bad that it's under these circumstances.

Cheers, Joe

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 24, 2015 at 10:06am

two of the pics of the guitar in question.

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Permalink Reply by dexter krieger on May 24, 2015 at 11:21am

Those signatures on the guitar are forgeries, not being from the Rolling Stones. There's no doubt about that.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 24, 2015 at 12:37pm

Thanks Dexter, I appreciate you taking the time to share your input.

Joe

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Permalink Reply by Ian Baldock on May 24, 2015 at 1:54pm

Sorry, they do not look authentic to me. Roger Epperson also does quick opinions for a 15 charge by contacting his website.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Kasmar-AutographPros.com on May 25, 2015 at 5:36pm

Charlie Watts is usually the easiest to tell if it was an in-person signature or not. While there are some variations of his signature, they are all pretty much identical and this example on your guitar looks far too off from what I know his in-person autograph to be, having met him on dozens of occasion.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Saurin on May 24, 2015 at 3:34am

Hi Joe, Don't let this misfortune put you off, WE all have made mistakes in the past, in this dirty industry, if I can suggest to you bud, use this site for feedback, there is some really nice guys on here, that will gladly share there knowledge and experience's with you for free, or some will charge a very low fee, better safe than sorry, esp if you are going to invest heavily on a item. GOOD LUCK Bud, and have fun

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on May 24, 2015 at 8:24am

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 24, 2015 at 10:13am

Thanks Mark, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and encouragement. I've had a day to process this whole mess and I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I have no one to blame but myself. I should've done all this in reverse as far as searching for a site such as this and what appears to be a great community you've all put together. I can't guarantee that more mistakes await me in the future but I can promise you it won't be anywhere near as easy as I made it for Antiquities International. Thanks again for the kind words. I hope this finds you well and I look forward to a fun learning experience with the help of people like you.

Sincerely, Joe