Posted By:
Jeff LichtmanI'm sure this post will result in me getting a tongue lashing in this thread from Doug Allen at some point, but I have to ask this question: why did Mastro have a disclaimer at the end of this listing basically putting the blame on PSA in case it was later determined that this Nodgrass card was a fraud (which it was)? I don't remember ever seeing a disclaimer like that on any other PSA-graded card that Mastro has offered in any auction, so why did it put one here -- unless they had prior knowledge that the Nodgrass was a fake?
I know as per Doug I'm supposed to call him directly and get the answer to this question but, as in previous instances, I feel that the question/answer is something that the entire vintage card universe would be interested in. It just stuck out like a sore thumb to me and from what many people have indicated the card was an obvious fake. So just because PSA blessed it, if Mastro has knowledge that the card is a fake why sell it? And why not indicate in the listing that there was at least some controversy over the legitimacy of the card instead of providing an ass-covering disclaimer that does not suggest the card might be fake? And since Mastro pulled it, isn't it assumed that Mastro has acknowledged that they had a lemon with this card -- so when did they first learn that there might be a problem?
I don't mean to single Mastro out (honest) because I think we all know that all auction houses have problem lots occasionally. But I see this and then I see REA's Broad Leaf Elberfeld description in which they note their opinion that the card is trimmed even though PSA clearly didn't think so. And I see REA's descriptions of the Voskamp Wagners -- in which they honestly state that one looks much better than the other despite both having the same grade -- and I wonder why there can't be more tranparency in Mastro. And I'm not saying that Rob Lifson is a saint because I know he's not. But I just feel that with Mastro I occasionally have to read between the lines or keep a sharper eye out because if I'm not careful I'm going to get it between the eyes from them. I know, I know...if I don't like it I don't have to bid in Mastro. But I want to -- I just don't want to always feel that I have to be more careful with them becuase of this sort of BS.