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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 Mike White on May 23, 2015 at 5:38pm

They're right about PSA not being the "last word".

I don't trust them with anything except sports--and even then, I take their decision with a grain of salt.

Your first mistake was buying the piece.
Your second was paying $200 for PSA to look at it.

As for where you can get a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones that's beyond reproach in terms of authenticity:

1) Buy a guitar

2) Meet the Rolling Stones

3) Have them sign the guitar in front of you

Anything else is just guess work. Some guesses are more educated than others, but they're all guesses just the same.

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Permalink Reply by Mike White on May 23, 2015 at 5:54pm

They're also most likely right about PSA's opinion not standing up to scrutiny in court--I doubt that you can even find out who at PSA looked at it. The company doesn't have individual accountability.

I highly, highly doubt that it was one of their music experts though if it was an in-store thing--they usually only do those at sports memorabilia shops, for which they likely wouldn't have a music expert on hand.

Either way, no matter what happens, at the end of the day, you lost $200.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 23, 2015 at 6:45pm

Thanks for the reply Mike, I appreciate your insight.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on May 23, 2015 at 10:15pm

Mike,

What is your experience regarding autograph authentication? On what basis are you making those statements and giving your advice? I'm asking because you had no knowledge of it at all a few years ago. You're a nice young man, and very smart, but you're just a couple years or so out of high school with no real life experience in autograph authentication.

Have I missed something?

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Permalink Reply by Chicklet McTushy on May 30, 2015 at 10:32am

Totally agree

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Permalink Reply by Xwiesy on May 23, 2015 at 5:48pm

Did you use a CC? Can you charge it back?

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Permalink Reply by Mike White on May 23, 2015 at 5:49pm

.....they answered that question in their original post.

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Permalink Reply by Xwiesy on May 23, 2015 at 6:43pm

I missed that, thanks !

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 23, 2015 at 6:46pm

I did and will be addressing that once I have the appropriate documentation. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Robin Banks on May 23, 2015 at 6:06pm

Sorry to hear Joe. The best advice I can give you moving forward is, do your homework. With the amount of resources online, you can be your own detective. It will save you $$$ and learn a lot about the industry along the way.

Ciao

Robin

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Permalink Reply by Joe Santori on May 23, 2015 at 6:57pm

Thanks Robin. I've already invested quite a bit of time since yesterday. Unfortunately the horse is already out of the gate. I guess I just have to look at it as a relatively cheap lesson as I was willing to go much higher for the right piece. Lesson learned and I'm even more determined to find the real deal. Mike's input would be the ultimate but the chances of accessing the four of them together AND willing to autograph a guitar for me are slim to none. That said I will continue the hunt, there's GOT to be a few out there.