| a) |
Do
NOT buy on internet auction sites unless you are an experienced
autograph collector |
| b) |
Do NOT buy
from anybody with Private ID or using a PO BOX only with no other
contact details. |
| c) |
Do NOT buy
from anybody with a very low or negative feedback rating. |
| d) |
Do NOT be enticed
by sellers with all types of add ons. i.e.Gold Star Sellers / Power
Sellers / Member of this and that etc / Special Shops / enhanced
displays etc. All these are no contribution to the authenticity
of a signature. |
| e) |
Sellers saying
anything like “15 years a roadie behind the scenes in the
music industry”. “Obtained by my recently deceased auntie”
etc. should be avoided. |
| f) |
If
a seller states anywhere in the description “Obtained in person
by our professional hunters in the USA” or similar ask when
and where and if there is supporting evidence. Be aware that if
photos are shown of a celebrity actually signing they could have
been printed off another website or used previously. Do not allow
the seller to offer to give this information only after the sale
is completed. |
| g) |
View
Sellers other items. Always a very good indication. If the seller
has many very desirable autographs listed at low prices such as
Marlon Brando / Madonna / Bob Marley etc. unless he is a dealer
of world recognition walk away. “Too good to be true”
usually means just that! |
| h) |
Do
NOT buy any multi signed items such as Lord of the Rings and Harry
Potter unless they have traceable provenance. These types of pieces
are rarely authentic and very sought after. “The Godfather
signed by 8” at £29.99? Think about it! |
| i) |
Be
aware that many signed clothing items such as football shirts are
not authentic. They are easy to forge due to inconsistency of signature
and who they actually are. Also many players at major football clubs
are instructed by the clubs not to sign for dealers anyway. |
| j) |
There
are very few bargains out there. Professional dealers are watching,
who know the values of items. If you have won a signed Jimi Hendrix
photo on Ebay for £150 it is unlikely to be genuine or a dealer
would have bought it. If it seems cheap there is a reason why! |
| k) |
Ask
the seller searching questions and do your own research if his answer
is unconvincing. |
| l) |
Do
NOT buy 90% of the so called “prints” offered. In most
cases the so called original is not genuine. |
| m) |
Do
NOT buy from sellers who claim to have used American and DNA authentication
companies. Many of these are some of the worst forgeries out there
with websites claiming extraordinary things. Genuine authentication
is available from only a handful of recognized worldwide experts.
It costs £50 upwards per item. How can a seller pay for authentication
on an autograph worth £20? |
| n) |
Certificates
of Authenticity. Read our section on this. |
