Mantle 8x10
 

You all have been so very helpful in my quest to find forgeries in my collection. I'm under the impression this one is probably bad. Before I send it through the shredder along with a bit of my pride I wanted to get a consensus....

I’m curious why you think it’s bad.

I actually think it's good! While I don't love it, I don't hate it either.

I don't think I'd rush it to the shredder quite yet without having a few more people on the board chime in.

I think it’s good too. That why I asked. It’s the Ozzie Sweet photo from Sport magazine. Is it an 11x14?

I got this maybe 20 years ago and the COA is from Proco, Inc (?) and they're based out of Fort Lauderdale. I feel like I've become a fairly good judge of Mantle signatures but the origin of this piece and the fact I didn't know what I was doing 20 years ago made me skeptical.

Attachment 356083


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Bullshit COA! Out of Florida? Never a good sign. However, I'm looking at it, and I think you're good here.

I completely agree the COA is crap and that is what worried me. I appreciate the input from everyone! I feel a little better about this one. Thank you all!

Absolutely 100% fake.

A fairly skilled fake style that has fooled many... even more seasoned collectors.

Steve thank you for the feedback. In the interest of my own education, can you tell me a few characteristics of this piece that are red flags? The "ic" perhaps?

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: tight:mad::mad: and tilt

Shelly! Thank you! I was hoping you'd chime in!

Like Me! I would take Steve's word on this. I had a feeling??? The Proco sealed it for me as well.Thanks ZIP,

If that's the case, clearly, one of the best fakes I've ever seen. Wow!

the y looks way off

Well, I’m not afraid to be wrong, but I will say I’m surprised. The COA is like a noose hanging around it’s neck which wasn’t initially presented, but as Tyler says the Y is way off so I should have known.

The formation is relatively skilled and a cut above the usual mass-produced fakes, but overall this style has a stiff, "blocky" look. It doesn't have the looseness and bounce that is typical. The upward "flick" in the M in "Mantle" appears manufactured and drawn on.

It would be easy to be fooled by one example. But once you've seen a few of them, the "look" is apparent. Whoever produced these was somewhat conservative; I see them once in a while, but the artist did not flood the market like the Marinos, banana Mantles, B&J Fakes, Florida Fakes, etc.