At this point its worth us pointing your towards our "BLOG" articles, here is one on COA's. I can across bit I wrote that might be a good counterpoint after locating a source. A forger will not only fake the COA and the signature, but the story to back it all up as well. It's even more valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines. They may be unknown in the autograph community or have burned their reputation in it. Value: Special individual Hummel figurines can be sold for thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. 9 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin Also, these steps are not "set in stone". well what use is the COA then when you find out your item is fake? There is one seller on eBay right now that claims to be a leading light in the "in person" autograph collecting field, but ask any of the well known in person autograph collectors, and they will all tell you they have never heard of him! 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are it's a fake. And ignore his stories about how he knows all the stars, has contacts within a club, or only buys from AFTAL or UACC dealers, its normally all just clap trap! Excellent material to the right seller needs no papers. Decoration designator usually appended after the HUM/size number and painted or stamped. Thus the Dubler figurines were born. Hummels signature. Why? If the autographs sell for $50 or $100 or lower than their general value, you'd best look for other autograph dealers online. I have a bunch of personally watched, met, and signed autos from athletes that I got COA's for from Beckett. The item I buy has a COA come with it. Here are some others that I COA's that I picked up from What are the following's trust level and are there others that are quality? Their ranking on the last list is also noted in parentheses. While there's no shortage of authentic autographs from any of the trio, they're popularity has led to a lot of fakes on the market as well. The only criteria to maintain membership is paying the membership fee (what does the BBB know about autographs?). ), and elsewhere since the early 1990's and have sold over 100,000 items on eBay alone. PCGS | The signs below are mostly from personal experiences over my 30 years of collecting. Be on guard of folks who mix certified and other material from the same celebrity. Whenever possible, ask a reputable dealer or experienced collector for an opinion on the autograph you're considering, and even better, other autographs the seller is offering. In addition to carrying the unique style and proportions of Maria Innocentias original drawings as well as its TMK mark and identification symbols, be on the lookout for the following when trying to decipher if your Hummel is authentic or not: The fake figurine might have missing, added, or displaced features. ), Poland, Romania, Russia etc. Autographs of Morrison, John Lennon (or anything with all four Beatles), Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, John Bonham (or anything with all four members of Led Zeppelin) are all very rare. Sign in or register to get started. You can go to UACC.ORG to see the directory of active UACC Registered Dealers. Don't take risks with your money, if an item seems too good to be true, then you can be pretty damn sure that its a fake, if in doubt, then don't! Agree with Steve, as well as all those framing options. The purpose of these guidelines is to make you aware of potential risks when deciding to buy autographs based on observations I have experienced over the past 35 years that have raised a"red flag". We think you will find it an invaluable reference if you keep it by your computer, and I can guarantee that it will save you money! Value: Signed Photo - $150, High-Grade Signed Basketball - $300. Ink color. Yes, it is! Even though Tiger's popularity as an athlete and person has taken a serious hit in the last couple of years, he remains on the list of the most dangerous autographs. Collectors.com | And while he signed a lot of stuff while he was alive, an astounding number of forgeries have seeped onto the market over the years. An authentic Jimi Hendrix signature can easily fetch a whopping $9,000 and an authentic Marilyn Monroe autograph is at least $800. 3) Thirdly, if an autograph is supposed to be from a long, long time ago, it should have a distinctive and natural look to it. In addition to the pieces made during World War II, Asian manufacturers have flooded the market with copies and reproductions, which are worth considerably less. Thanks for your help JBK. (A, B or C example?). Unfortunately, this has meant a growing number of fakes on the market. In no order here are some things I think about: Original/virgin /untrimmed photo/item (no tape, folds spots, restoration etc considering item/age/other factors)? We dont like it, and we dont do it. Size?Color cohesion? There is a website that sells such rare (but actually forged) items like Boris Karloff autographed Frankenstein photos for about $500, and John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland signed 8x10 photos for $299. When speaking of her creative insight, her mother, Victoria Hummel, said a bunch of pretty flowers, a pleasing childs face, a beautiful evening mood, an autumnal forest. https://www.autographcoa.com/. Dont assume the dealers COA or guarantee means anything and will be honored after you buy. This is one way forsuspect dealers to avoid the close scrutiny of their autographs by experienced eyes. King James has taken the reigns as the top basketball player in the world. With all the work that goes into making these figurines, its no wonder that theyre so highly prized. And most, if not all of the time a suspicious autograph seller will have more than one conflict within these guidelines/examples.. No, because they are human and nothing in life is 100%. Goebel produced the first Hummel figurines in 1935 and production continues until this day. Testimonials We host our own online celebrity autographs auction! They seem to have an unlimited supply of extremely rare autographed items. Such institutions include the UACC (the largest oldest autograph collecting organization - since 1965), and independent third-party authentication services like JSA and PSA/DNA or recognized specialist authenticators. What are some signs a memorabilia dealer is signing fake autographs? Now is the UACC perfect in weeding out ALL questionable sellers? Look for the typical behavior of someone engaged in illicit activity. For instance, it can be easy to forge signatures on easy to create mediums such as photos, programs, books and pieces of paper. 2 Comments I also have a Tyrone Power 8 x 10 autographed photo that was personalized to my mother in the 1940's. If a genuine signed Frankensteinphoto appears for sale it will sell for no less than $5,000. For example, the head is turned to the other side, the facial expression is different, or a patch of grass is missing. Thanks! These numbers are usually cast with the figurine or incised in the soft porcelain, so they are a permanent identification feature. PS - This all reduces yet again to education - and tuition need not be costly. In the thousands of years following the debut of the world's first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only . Hummel's estimated fair market value: $913.67. Charges were filed. Now I realize that there are reputable dealers who may fail one of the above tests. If the dealer can get such a rare autograph quickly, it's probably being made to order. Here are some of the most valuable Hummel figurines on the market. Box 1691 In addition, the signature was obviously traced from the Frank Sinatra signature study. Do a Google search for eBay sniper, there are loads available. Kevin Conway Conway's Vintage Treasures UACC Dealer No 307 LAMP Approved Dealer www.cvtreasures.com. Buying autographs on eBay is a great way to build a collection, and at the moment its still a buyers market, and with good knowledge (and with the use of a sniper!) You can see where the forger is tracing slowly at the beginning so the ink is applied heavily in the first few letters. Shop Sales Hummels work (the initial postcards) and held copyrights to her art, many consider the Dubler figurines as legitimate collector pieces. Every dealer, even good ones get some negative occasionally, you cant please everyone. Where you say "Google the dealer"This has become a very gray area on the internet. PSA | 0 Likes, Added by Steve Cyrkin, Admin I'm sure there are other fine authentication companies. The glazed blanks are finely painted using a palette of more than 200 colors, all handpicked by Maria Innocentia Hummel way back in the 1930s. As you can see in the picture above, its easy to identify the shape and style of the bee and V symbols. Comparison to similar for quality - mediocre or exceptional? Information. Although a dealer in historical autographs can probably get Lincoln fairly quickly. This is what happens when you come between bad guys and their money. It wouldnt! As always, be careful and look for warning flags. I have been selling autographs on eBay as AUTOGRAFICA since 1999 (that is before eBay.co.uk was even around! Hummel agreed, reserving the right to choose the official color palette and approve every single figurine. Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. Complex figurines are made from up to 40 individual pieces, which are molded separately and joined later. However, when the Beswick company was later bought, no documentation, molds, or references for the Hummel figurines were discovered. Since a seller of autograph forgeries can't honestly defend their products, the result is often vehement, personal attacks against those who question them. only to find out the autograph is fake and worth no more than . Most will try to convince you that industry-recognized third-party authentication services are not credible. These fake pieces of paper provided cover for all those fake signatures. 0 Comments After you have a jumped all those hurdles and did all that homework and you have a good dealer and you are considering a purchase - these are some of the things that go through my head. In particular, many forgers and unethical dealers have used online review to silence or retaliate against anyone who speaks out against them For example , many of the review sites are NOT legitimate like Ripoffreport.com, pissedconsumer.com. I need to note that there are exceptions. As you read through these warning signs, you will realize most of these signs apply to any genre of collecting, whether it be comic books, baseball cards or $50 million fine art. Finally, every genre of collecting or investment has risks (none more than the stock market!). Dont wait until the last minute to bid and then get outbid by a sniper, use a sniper yourself! 819 Massachusetts St. NOTE: Be wary of many of today's complaint websites like RipoffReport.com and PissedConsumer.com. A credible affiliation is an organization that holds their members accountable. What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are fake.. Some models reach several hundred dollars. Like most forgers, this one doesn't risk adding more evidence of his handiwork by adding an inscription. It does not cost anything to monitor signatures at auction and see what has which papers and what actually sells with or without. PSE | Here are some others that I COA's that I picked up from What are the following's trust level and are there others that are quality? What are the chances of receiving a fake? Even on the extremely rare chancean unknowledgeable seller offered one for such a low cost, it would not last a day. This does not help identify someone who is still selling fakes on eBay, but is another check and balance. Forget about any COA, an item is either real or its fake, and no amount of classy COA with triple holograms, a wax seal, fancy ribbon, DNA, or nice paper will make a poor fake into a genuine bargain. Suggested retail price: $2,750. For obvious reasons, suspicious sellers have an aversion to reputable independent authentication. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are its a fake. Organizations which do not hold members accountable, even credible organizations like the Manuscript Society or Better Business Bureau, should, One of the best ways to find out about the reputation of a dealer is to ask other collectors and professionals in active autograph forums and communities like Autograph. Produced for the 25th anniversary of the Hummel figurine, Ring Around the Rosie depicts four little girls holding hands and playing in a circle. Finally, it always helps if theres a third party independent authentication service (like JSA or PSA) involved that can verify, for sure, that an autograph is authentic. This does not help identify someone who is. At the same time, the sometimes volatile competence of 3, party authenticators is a legitimate debate that will live on, hopefully for the betterment of the industry. Ted Williams: Baseball - $350-500 The following article was written and published on eBay some years ago by myself, and was read by over 90,000 people on eBay alone! I know UD originated a lot of sports autos so I would trust them, and probably the same for Topps. A COA is just an opinion or represents provenance. Also be sure Google the seller in a few ways, and Toohaus.org in invaluable when it works.And it bears repeating-ask before you purchase. You can see what they currently have for sale there, and autographs they sold or listings that ended in the recent past. NEED HELP WITH This Authentication services, its called sportcoa.com and they are based in Spain, does anybody know anything about them? A COA is only as good as the issuer. COA's. Authentic autographs can be worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. 4) Very little or none of the sellers inventory has been authenticated by a reputable third-party authentication service like JSA or PSA/DNA. Suffice to say, if you have a TMK-2 or a TMK-3, your Hummel is older and worth more. With an estate sale, you set the price so you can ensure they will sell at fair market value. Coinflation, https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/autographed-items-policy?id=4283, https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/using-authentication-grading-services?id=4659. A COA is only as good as the seller is honest, and if the seller is a fraud, then your COA is no more useful than a used piece of toilet tissue! Of course, the most obvious options to consider are popular online marketplaces, like Craigslist and eBay. Age Vintage Hummels are usually more valuable. Goebel decided to render Hummels drawings as porcelain figurines. Items still slip through the cracks. If you believe you have an extraordinary example, its best to contact experts in antiques and collectibles. Unscrupulous dealers know the cost for a customer to sue them for a refund on a fake autograph is rarely worth it, so they will not honor their guarantee. This guide can help you identify your Hummel figurine and its worth, however, its not exhaustive. 4) Very little or none of the sellers inventory has been authenticated by a reputable third-party authentication service like JSA or PSA/DNA. I think what they meant was, it warned too many people about the problems of buying on eBay! Virtually all credible authenticators and dealerswho have rejected fakes or exposed fake sellers have phony complaintspostedagainstthem. Demand Some figurines are just more popular than others, like Stormy Weather #71 and Merry Wanderer #7. Authentic signatures from the influential slugger command huge money on the secondary market. Ask where they acquired itand for proof. Ask the sellerif you can check out their eBay autographs for sale if you're not dealing with them there. Besides the actual witnessing of an autograph. Sinatra usually added an inscription to in-person autograph requests, as did other major stars like John Wayne, Judy Garland and Marlon Brando. Factory control number a small 2-digit number hand-painted or incised used to signify who assembled the Hummel figurine. That said, the ink from today doesnt look like ink that has aged for several decades. Autograph Live: How to use our Musician-Direct Autograph Sales Forum. There are many knowledgeable people here that are more than happy to help. Each figure depicts the students standing together with their school supplies. (1911-1993) Nice shot signed by the legendary actor. If you can, compare your figurine to a verified original, to ensure their features are the same. If they are selling fakes, then they will tell you any lies they think necessary to convince you of just how genuine it is, and they certainly wont admit to selling fakes will they? Agree 100%. Its easy to underprice one, since even minuscule details can dramatically change the price. In 1940, Germany stopped sending products for Dubler to sell. If you live in a major city they may go to a local show or it can be done by mail as well. But what is more exciting than owning a genuine historical artifact right from the hand of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Babe Ruth, John Wayneor any other major cultural icon? Likewise, if a genuine signed John Wayne, Frank Sinatra or Judy Garland photo was being offered for $299, it would be purchased immediately. The above is based on my personal experiences, and are not intended for any specific person or dealer. Great input Eric.One point that I would add a caveat to . Best condition possible (considering above etc.)? Now if that is not cheating, I dont know what is. I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? Mickey Mantle/Ted Williams/Joe DiMaggio, 2022-23 Topps UEFA Club Competitions Variations Guide, Top Selling Sports Card and Trading Card Hobby Boxes Hot List, 2023 National Sports Collectors Convention Guide - Autograph Signers, 2023 Topps Home Run Challenge Baseball Cards Checklist and Game Details, 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball Variations Checklist Guide, 2023 Topps Game Within the Game Baseball Cards Checklist Gallery, 2023 Leaf Signature Series Football Cards, 2022-23 Topps Now NHL Stickers Hockey Cards Checklist, 2023 Topps Now MLS Soccer Cards Checklist. Turn the document into a dynamic PDF with fillable fields. If it's an autograph being auctioned, you can ask PSA/DNA for a Quick Opinion. But if its fake, then its fake, and it will always be fake! The following list, very carefully compiled, is of those autograph dealers and auction houses that pass muster in the Credible Authenticity Library. Hopefully, this article has been a good introduction to the world of M.I. . Enjoy a better manner of doing business with signNow. That in and of itself does NOT always mean the dealer is dishonest and/or selling forgeries. Fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt? You are always helpful. Ink damaged/scratched/smudged? I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? 9:30 - 5:00 Saturday A HUGE red flag is a seller of elaborately framed memorabilia, but no close-up images of the actual autograph. then it is probably very little use, as the third party issuer certainly won't refund your money if it turns out to be no good! Facebook They are fairly new, but picking up very quickly. For example, some dealers do not accept 3rd party authentication. While these websites get millions of visitors every day, buyers are often looking for cheap deals and may not be collectors willing to pay what your figurine is worth. Is the autograph lost, or overpowering? Create a signNow account (if you haven't registered yet) or log in using your Google or Facebook. These porcelain figurines embody the simple beauty of the early 20th century Bavarian countryside. I assume that Beckett is on that list of top COA's. That was a great list! "I have worked in the music business for 30 years" "item comes with an impeccable references from someone in the film industry" "I buy my items from UACC or AFTAL dealers and other registered sources" (neither the UACC or AFTAL allow anyone to make this claim unless they state EXACTLY who they purchased from. Listen to their rationale for why they are not a member. Ink color clash with item/image? Check the bottom of the listing (left hand side) for this, and check the feedback too, if the feedback does not show what other items the seller has sold then they are using the PRIVATE option, my advice then is to simply avoid them, as they are very probably hiding something. A blatantly dishonest dealer will surely fail several of the above tests. It might be a hidden gem. FAKE AUTOGRAPHS ALL OVER - EBAY DOES NOTHINNG. Finally, every genre of collecting or investment has risks (none more than the stock market!). They may not have images at all. 8) Most suspect sellers have no credible affiliations with industry-recognized organizations. If the Hummel figurines are part of an estate that you inherited or need to clear, consider organizing an estate sale. Also, be very picky about letters of authenticity. Accessibility. 6 members like this. Unless you can be 100% certain, stay away from sellers in far off lands, chances are you will also end up being stung for import duty and VAT on fake items from a seller you will never get a refund from. Conceived by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummela prolific German artist and Franciscan nunthe first figurines were produced by Franz Goebel in 1935. The natural characteristics ofeach letter are also missing, particularly how Sinatra uniquely made his "a" with an underlying loop. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest (and most popular) hockey player of all-time. Three years worth of docket updates dutifully filed online by the clerk of courts. Yes? You will often find these sellers have changed the ID many times too, just click on their feedback number and then click ID History to check. The same goes for any of the steps above, they do not constitute an affirmation of guilt if a dealer does not follow one of them. I have been the UACC ethics board member for the UK and Vice Chairman of AFTAL, work with both Trading Standards and the Police on fraud cases, have written a number of articles on fakes and how to avoid them, advised TV's ' The Real Hustle' and 'Inside Out' as well as 'Fake Britain' 'Pawn Stars UK' and 'Posh Pawn'. Or natural characteristics in certain letters may be missing or unnatural. The process to render the drawing into a completed porcelain figurine could take months and each step received the approval of the Sisters of Siessen. If the UACC bans you for selling forgeries, you will likely land on the UACC Hall of Shame list. The reason is simply because you as the buyer are much less likely to be able to do anything about it. I have seen dealers on eBay (and other sites) selling his autograph for $49 and sometimes with the 'make an offer' option on top of that ridiculous price. I use bidnapper.com but there are plenty of others. A notorious forgery seller from New Jersey retaliated against me for outing him on another autograph forum about 10 years ago. In particular, many forgers and unethical dealers have used online review to silence or retaliate against anyone who speaks out against them. 0 Likes, 2023 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin. The forgers come out. Value: Cut Signature - $250, High-Grade Signed Golf Flag - $1,500. This is the best and most detailed summation of how forgery sellers behave I have ever seen. You can see where the forger is tracing slowly at the beginning so the ink is applied heavily in the first few letters. Why would the autograph of one man look just like that of another?