Guaranteed to pass any third party authenticator
 

I don't venture over on this side very often, and my autograph knowledge is limited compared to those of you who actively collect autographs. I do own a few authenticated items and have studied those signatures on a case by case basis. However, I am considering embarking on a broader 1960s football autograph project and need some input. I am considering collecting autographed cards of Chargers players from the 1960s. Many of these players are not well known, and there aren't very many on ebay. Many of these cards are not authenticated by anyone but carry the statement "guaranteed to pass any third party authenticator." Is that good enough for you? I can't say that I would send them into PSA, JSA, SGC, etc. Part of me thinks that no one would go to the trouble to fake an obscure nobody from a 1960s football set and sell it for about $14. But I also know how some people think. Many of the stars come authenticated, but the lesser known guys who are already deceased are not, and it is fortuitous to find even one signed card by that person. It is highly unlikely to ever find an obscure player from the 1960s Chargers already authenticated. What do you think?

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So long as you are quick to get items authenticated after purchase it is fine to utilize that. Also realize per eBay you have at least 45 days to request a refund for any reason. Even listings that say “no returns” can be returned and a refund gotten.

Keep in mind the time frame of TPGs may not even get it back to you in time to get a refund within the 45 days. Always use a cc through paypal

And just how are the Third Parties authenticating these "obscure nobodies"?
Does anyone really believe they have no-doubt exemplars from, well, everyone?

That is another aspect I meant to mention. Great point!

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I've seen some come back as n4 I believe when it is I conclusive/no charge from PSA. As well, I have a voucher from JSA on an item that was given a cursory pre-cert, but deemed Inconclusive upon team review. Talking about covering your behind!

Well I honestly don't care about having them slabbed, but I guess I would need to send in even the relatively unknown players to be authenticated just so that I wouldn't have a collection full of fakes. Is there any particular authenticator that would be better suited and more reasonable for 1960s football?

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One guy who might be able to help steer you in the right direction, is Todd Tobias (AFLfan on these boards). He has gotten to know several AFL players, including many 1960's Chargers, collected all their autographs, and has even written one or two books about the Gillman-era Chargers. He's also the guy who spearheaded the recent push to get Johnny Robinson elected to the Hall of Fame.

Steve

Since when does using a third-party authenticator guarantee not having a collection full of fakes?

David, not enough autograph collectors understand the above.

Regarding Chargers commons, the only danger I see is that TTM autographs might have been signed by wives, etc. PSA should be able to find exemplars in their database and authenticate these.

I don't believe in autograph authentication unless I need it for re-sell or to make things easier for my heirs. But in all cases I have to be able to personally authenticate them before sending them off to PSA or JSA. That last statement will make no sense to many here.

Good points raised that are taken to heart. I didn't want it to appear that I would blindly accept a third party authenticator and not educate myself. I wouldn't do that with autographs anymore than I would buy a graded card just because of what the flip says. A collector has to know what he is getting into and have a knowledge base. I will have access to a fair amount of exemplars for my Chargers signed card project. Many of them will be TTM. The exemplars will help reduce my concerns over wives' signatures and such. Other than seeing the cards signed in person, this is about the next best thing to me. I don't have any thoughts whatsoever about resale, this is just a fun hobby for me. The AFL and its players fascinate me, and I want to reach out to some of the players of its past.

I would highly encourage you to get a subscription to sportscollectors.net and send the cards to the players yourself. Many will sign your cards for free and write back answering any questions you might have. The site also will give you a pretty good idea how long it takes for them to answer and if they charge a fee. You will find a new passion and be very excited to receive your mail every day all for the price of a SASE.

That is exactly what I am doing. I am actually pretty excited about it. I didn't even know about that site until a couple of days ago. Pretty awesome stuff!

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