Posted By:
hankronFirst, I wish to note that I only post as the registered hankron with Veruschka transiguration avitar. Not to suggest that there was anything wrong with the other david's posts, just clarifying that I don't post in under my name.
Second, I was recently informed by off board source that the AM cabinets are the same ones I examined several monthes ago. I did scientific examination on the paper and mount and have stated that these the photos I examined were not proofs and were not original. Neither the photographic paper (which was NOT albumen!) nor the mount was vintage. I examined them in person at the request of MastroNet. The expert at MastroNet, who is someone who is well known and widely respected, came to an independant opinion that these were fakes.
It blows my mind that there is controversy and debates about the authenticity of these items. It really does.
I re-issued a guide on baseball photos that includes a lengthy and illustrated guide on the authentication of 19th century albumen prints. It includes how to measure the paper, examine paper fibers under the microscope, look for unique aging charectoristic and paper qualities that cannot be duplicated. It's no surprise to me that the people who are claiming these items are real have not purchased copy.
I have no ax to grind. I have liked Nick for along time, and no one pays me any money for what I do. I don't have a job with any auction house or magazine or grader. I don't even collect baseball photos or cards anymore! ... I do, however, feel I know more than anybody about the authenticity of baseball photos. Along with personal observation, I use a variety of scientific equipment and tests. This is why I find it rather insulting when (with due respect to Rich) someone at Beckett says we should find someone who without ax to grind and with scientific knowledge should examine the photo.
If Sotheby's and Chistie's heard that both MastroNet and Leland's considered photos to be fake, Sotheby's and Christie's would not accept them for auction. So why should a different auction house's level of acceptance be so different?