[drcy]

I assume they are reliable. They don't give condition grades, so their photo authentication bypasses that can of worms.

There is educated judgment involved in photo authentication, including judging if the image was made from an original negative, but determining that a photo is old involves science. You can accurately judge the age of photopaper and certain age signs only appear after many years.

My dad was an engineering professor, questioning of his only son going into art history-- until he found out how much science is involved in authentication and dating. Sometimes the tables are turned and I teach him the science.

You can always ask for a second opinion before buying. I'm not a sports photo buyer, so you can ask me.