PSA-How could you (my first post)

[tazdmb]

Thought I would share a recent issue with PSA. Came across this Ebay listing and thought it was a steal, as the item description, and the PSA sticker confirmed that the signature was that of Lee MacPhail, however, I noted instantly that it was actually his HOF father, Larry. So I snatched it up.

I noted immediately that the signature was TOO perfect, especially for being on thin typewriter paper. I learned that the signature was actually a stamp and immediately called PSA and sent them my photos. I told them they had the wrong person and the item was not authentic. A week later I get a call back that yes, the signature was Larry (which the updated) but signature was authentic.

Fortunately I explained all this to the buyer and he had no problem issuing me a full refund and said that the letter will not be offered again as a genuine signature.

Some photos:
"signed" letter (sorry sideways)

PSA "Verification" of "Lee" MacPhail

[jgmp123]

So has PSA branched out to a STAMP Authentication service now?

[RichardSimon]

When you try to be fast, instead of accurate, this is what can happen.
(see Roy Campanella thread).

[tazdmb]

I saw that, but not only missing it was a stamp-but even identifying the wrong person?!

[RichardSimon]

It really makes you wonder who is now doing the authentication work there.

[travrosty]

Like Richard said, they go WAAAY too fast. Here is a Larry MacPhail that they slabbed as a Lee MacPhail.

The original collector even went so far as to help them out and label it as a 1934 vice president of the Reds. But was PSA paying attention, NO! They slabbed it as a Lee MacPhail, who would have been 17 years old in 1934, a pretty young age to be vice president and general manager of the Reds I would say.

They are going 600 miles an hour, slabbing anything they want with any name they want. It's pathetic. I am in concurrence with you, PSA HOW COULD YOU? The hit parade continues.

[chaddurbin]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

It really makes you wonder who is now doing the authentication work there.

from the screen grab above it was certified in '06. op got lucky with an honest seller.

[Exhibitman]

Gee, I guess I should send PSA these and then count my money when they slab them as 1964 Cassius Clay signed pieces:

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Gee, I guess I should send PSA these and then count my money when they slab them as 1964 Cassius Clay signed pieces:

Here is a rubber stamped Doc Gooden 3 x 5 that was passed by JSA as a real sig.

How did they ever get this wrong unless they didn't even look at it up close?