How Long Was GAI Around?
 

A dealer told me that he purchased GAI authenticated pieces in the late '70s, and that their reputation actually used to be good. Was Global Authenticators around that long? And did GAI used to be reputable, meaning it depends on the age of the authentication?

Don't believe they have been around 40+ years, but yes, in the beginning they did authenticate a lot of legit autos, along with a plethera of fakes. I've purchased plenty with GAI that I've gotten crossed to JSA or PSA.

Actually GA, NOT GAI
 

Scratch that... my mistake.
The dealer PURCHASED the items in the late '70s, but got them authenticated somewhat recently.
It must be after 2010, since that's when Global Authentics (NOT GAI) was founded. Looked up the GV certification #, and it's on there, but I know nothing about Global Authentics.
Is Global Authentics (GA) any better than GAI is purported to be?

GAI started about 2001.

At the start, their reputation was good for both card grading and autograph authentication.

Autograph COAs/LOAs with Mike Gutierrez listed on them are reliable. And the early holders had a particular label design.

The later you get the worse they were. Post pictures for input.