These fake pieces of paper provided cover for all those fake signatures. COA's. What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are fake., If a seller can't show you his eBay account, there is a possibility that the seller has been banned by eBay for selling forgeries, or for other fraudulent activity. Learn how it works, always bid slightly higher than you are prepared to pay and use it to your advantage. They seem to have an unlimited supply of extremely rare autographed items. Be on guard of folks who mix certified and other material from the same celebrity. Look for any odd hues and shades on your figurine. The item I buy has a COA come with it. Worst Autograph Authentication Companies | signNow The first thing you need to do is look for the Goebel trademark, also known as a TMK, at the bottom of your Hummel figurine. Best quality photo (1st generation/original release/candid)/Official item/product (album, CD, ticket, promo, key photo etc.)? Anonymous complaint sites are one of the primary tools the forgery industry uses to extract vengeance on the honest collectors,authenticatorsand dealerswhoexpose theircriminalactivity. Indeed, they will even create a nice story to help it along, or find some images of a signing on Google to add to the 'provenance' of the fake items they sell. I also attended the very first eBay University here in the UK, and was even trained by eBay as an eBay Education Specialist, and have given tuition to dozens of people on eBay to both buy and sell, and expand their business, so when it comes to eBay and autographs I believe I know what I am talking about! I also recommend if you do not know of a seller or a specific item, post it here for opinionsbefore you buy. Unfortunately, this has meant a growing number of fakes on the market. This is what happens when you come between bad guys and their money. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are its a fake. After you've compared hundreds of genuine and fake examples the signs of a forgery become blatant. Clear, tyipal example/preferably no handling/fading/etc.? VINCENT PRICE. If the dealer displays a hostile reaction to opinions from other dealers or authentication services, such defensive behavior (in my own personal experience) often signals a dealer with something to hide. About Forget about any long term guarantee of authenticity if your autograph fails JSA or PSA/DNA after any return privilege. Since a seller of autograph forgeries can't honestly defend their products, the result is often vehement, personal attacks against those who question them. Terms Of Service I can across bit I wrote that might be a good counterpoint after locating a source. A master sculptor then created a clay figurine from the drawing, spending weeks perfecting the shapes, lines, and features in an effort to stay as close to Hummels work as possible. We are wondering what it might be worth. 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. If I could add one more point, it would be this: Be wary of sellers who have item descriptions that contain long biographical backgrounds of the subject -- often entireWikipediapagescopied and pasted -- yet statelittle or nothing about the actual signed item. Great article! The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. Why? Is the autograph contemporary to the photograph or added later? Members: 88. If the Hummel figurines are part of an estate that you inherited or need to clear, consider organizing an estate sale. Why? 8) Most suspect sellers have no credible affiliations with industry-recognized organizations. We have enough of that to go around. If for any reason youre unhappy with the product please contact us: 1-800-399-5199 for return or exchange instructions. Figurines produced in different sizes, also have designators appended to the HUM. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are it's a fake. Also, be very picky about letters of authenticity. What Is An Estate Sale (And How Do They Work?). It's the same for a regular UACC members, but it's much less common for them to find out if someone's selling forgeries. Thanks! The market will not allow this to happen. 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)? Dont assume the dealers COA or guarantee means anything and will be honored after you buy. I don't know the answer but would like to hear what others think. 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. 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. This is a good question. While it receives less traffic, visitors are more targeted and likely to treat your Hummel figurines appropriately. This does not help identify someone who is. This article copyright 2013 updated slightly in 2023 by Garry King. Avoid, or at the very least check out, the sellers who make excessive claims as to where they obtain their stock from etc. They soon caught the eye of Franz Goebelmaster porcelain maker and owner of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik. Facebook. Speculation and mystery always bear a good price. Always check the location of the seller. Rarity Some Hummels were manufactured for decades, others were limited edition or special series. PSA/DNA also noted a high number of forgeries for Tom Brady and Lionel Messi. AUTHENTICITY POLICY | Todd Mueller Autographs | Worldwide - TMA Does it have any location stated at all? This is the safest place to look for real pieces. Happy customers leave real testimonials in their realnames. I know UD originated a lot of sports autos so I would trust them, and probably the same for Topps. Ted Williams: Baseball - $350-500 A pristine figurine in its original box can be worth 10 times more than the same model without its packaging. Most will try to convince you that industry-recognized third-party authentication services are not credible. ), and elsewhere since the early 1990's and have sold over 100,000 items on eBay alone. Ink color. This is the best and most detailed summation of how forgery sellers behave I have ever seen. Buy authentic autographs on eBay World of Autographs. These porcelain figurines embody the simple beauty of the early 20th century Bavarian countryside. 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. Decoration designator usually appended after the HUM/size number and painted or stamped. I have a bunch of personally watched, met, and signed autos from athletes that I got COA's for from Beckett. If you can, reference the colors of a verified Hummel. Again, its the provenance of the seller you need check, not the provenance of the item! Most will try to convince you that industry-recognized third-party authentication services are not credible. Autographs are commonly sold with Certificates of Authenticity (COA) or letters of authenticity (LOAs). There have been countless write-ups and articles about what to look for when it comes to buying autographs. Home Guides Top 10 Most Forged Sports Memorabilia Signatures. Whenever you're buying autographed sports memorabilia, it's essential to take precautions to avoid getting fooled. Demand Some figurines are just more popular than others, like Stormy Weather #71 and Merry Wanderer #7. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2008-2023 The Cardboard Connection. Return Policy: The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. All positive feedback is not always positive comment! For example, some dealers do not accept 3rd party authentication. For example, the head is turned to the other side, the facial expression is different, or a patch of grass is missing.