At his death in May of 2010, Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts left behind the memorabilia he had collected in his 19-season career in the major leagues and his four sons. Now, almost a year after his death, the sons can't decide how to divide the mementos. During his career, Roberts had acquired a Babe Ruth signed baseball, a 1950 National League championship ring and a collection of hand painted game-used baseballs. Because they were not able to decide, Roberts' sons put the collection up for sale. The collection was dispersed in a live auction, conducted by Hunt Auctions. Before the auction the pieces were appraised. Two of the more valued items included Roberts' Hall of Fame induction ring was estimated between $15,000 - $25,000 and his 2008 World Series ring at $20,000 - $40,000. His sons have kept more of the personal mementos of Roberts. In addition to excelling at baseball, in college Roberts also played basketball and won a trophy for the top colleg...
Ive been trying to get a Harrison Ford as Indy and I'm confused. I used to get signed photos from one guy, now I'm hearing all sorts of wars going on and it seems like the poor collector is stuck in the middle of it all. I saw on one site that supposedly Charlton Heston had a secretay sign through the mail. I took one of my supposed secretarials and matched it up perfectly to a personal check heston signed and a contract and they all match perfectly so does that mean Heston had a secretary signing checks and contracts for him?? I see the same thing with Clint Eastwoods too. Either dealers are selling secretarials like mad or if theyre good Eastwoods then some authenticator is beyond stupid and ruined it for everyone who has a real Heston and might want to sell or trade it etc. I get fed up being jerked around by these guys and feel like my whole collection of autographs is no good unless one these big wigs say it is...whether it is or not doesn't matter apparently
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteI have been there—that’s why I wrote the book---I was really pissed off.
I have no real answer for you---I found that most if not all the autographs from big name artists are secretarial-autopens or stamps---they are rampant on the Internet.
I personally would only buy personal letters on their letterhead or historical documents from older established dealers you feel you can trust----or in person—which is always best.
I have been burnt from the best as it seems you have also. There are lots of great looking autographs that are done by talented people making hand copies of real or even fake copies—they don’t know the difference either.
Anyway----the reason I wrote the book Autograph Hell was to open eyes like yours so they would ask questions and be skeptical before buying—even from reputable (?) dealers.
How/Where/When and by Whom are always questions to ask—also authenticated from a real authentication house----not just a certificate from the dealer.
Hope that helps.
Sorry for your problems!
Chuck