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Elvis eBay Autograph From Our Member Steve Viola ???

There is a listing currently on eBay featuring an Elvis autograph that the seller says he acquired years ago from current Autograph Live member Steve Viola. I had a good look at the item and I'd like others to take a moment and do likewise.

The eBay heading is as follows...Elvis Presley Signed Autographed 11 x 14 Display..... As of this posting there are 4 days left to bid. Asking price is 25 hundred dollars.

If any of my fellow members want to post the link as a favor to me that would be appreciated !! I'm looking for your thoughts and your feedback on that item.

My thanks...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on January 24, 2016 at 10:52am

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Permalink Reply by Kevin D on January 24, 2016 at 11:12am

Yes I took it off. I can not sell it with a clear mind knowing it might be fake. I do love how your organization protects the market as well is it defend it's members. To defend oneself by pleading ignorance does not justify the crime. My children defend themselves buy saying I did not know, that is the excuse but they are still made accountable for their actions. At the end of the day Steve did profit from selling a fake and it is OK by you guys for him to profit from it. You is very difficult to take your organization serious when you are so one sided.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on January 24, 2016 at 11:18am

It's a good thing you did the right thing. You should, at least, contact Mr. Viola about this and see if something can be worked out. If you both are fair and reasonable people, something can be done. We are humans and nobody is above making an honest mistake.

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Permalink Reply by Don Webster on January 24, 2016 at 11:38am

I don't blame Kevin for being upset. I would be upset too. And so would YOU.

There is only one true victim here. You're not a "victim" in my estimation if you're the one with cash in your pocket at the end of the day. You may be an unwitting participant but you're not a victim.

This should have been "handled" promptly by the principle(s) most directly involved than it was.

Here's hoping there will be a happy and mutually satisfactory resolution.

Please keep us posted Kevin...

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on January 24, 2016 at 11:50am

I think it is completely understandable for Kevin to be upset. It is very nice to see someone on ebay actually have a conscience and end the listing based off your opinion Don.

I apolagize for not believing he would care. It is up to Steve V if he morally will come to an understanding with Kevin. Hopefully they will come to a resolution. I still thing they should get Epperson's opinion so there is at least no doubt in the authenticity and go from there.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on January 24, 2016 at 11:25am

I am glad you did the right thing Kevin. I specifically said if Steve wanted to morally do the right thing, he should have contacted you. (perhaps you should contact him directly yourself now) still before you listed it on ebay perhaps you should has well done your own due dilligence. You could have researched Joe Long, sent the piece to PSA, JSA, Epperson.

You are a victim in this certainly, and you did the right thing by ending the listing. What is your plan now to do with the autograph? How much did Steve sell it to you for back 15 years ago?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 24, 2016 at 11:43am

Kevin,

Thank you for taking the Elvis down. That speaks very highly of you. Steve Viola just heard about this yesterday morning, and it took him by surprise. A pro in Elvis hasn't confirmed it is bad yet, although I think they would.

No, it's not OK for someone to profit from selling a fake. I don't think Steve ever assumed there was controversy. And while legally, he isn't responsible, as I mentioned in a reply a few ago, it's not uncommon for collectors to back authenticity indefinitely.

Why don't you contact Steve and see what he feels is the right thing to do?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 24, 2016 at 11:51am

Regarding a pro to check the Elvis:

Without it posted in a listing, PSA/DNA won't render an online opinion on it, which is $10-$15.

Roger Epperson will, and he's a very good music authenticator.

If Steve agrees to refund your money if your Elvis is likely bad, have Roger check it out, and if he says it's likely bad, add it to Steve's refund. If he says it's likely good, you can offer it for sale with confidence, and that makes it well worth the $15.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Viola on January 24, 2016 at 2:00pm

Kevin, just got back home and saw all these updates. I am willing to do the right thing here. I did not know this was bad at the time, and I did have faith in Joe , his org and his COA. I just sold this as a collector, with Joe's COA(not being a dealer, I dont issue my own COA's), but as someone pointed out, Joe is prob long gone by now. To be honest, I do not know what I sold this for, its been so long, but I think it was reasonable. I totally forgot about this item until this thread appeared. Send me a personal msg and we will discuss this. Obviously I will be out the money I paid Joe for it, the framing I put into it, and if I refund you, that amount as well, so I am the big loser here but the hobby doesnt need more bad stuff changing hands.