Mantle/GAI/Burczyk/Forgeries/TT2

[thetruthisoutthere]

I'd like to respectfully respond to member "TATSR." First of all, I'd rather listen to an honest person that is maybe obnoxious and "lacking communication skills" than a smooth-talking crook. Second, I am "tomtresh2." I'm the person that's been doing those videos for two years now exposing the garbage in the hobby. And long before I was exposing that garbage on video, I was writing for approximately 10-12 blogs about forgeries in the hobby. I don't mind the criticisms as it comes with the territory. And I've always stated on video that I am more than willing to embarrass myself in order to expose the garbage in the hobby because it's the right thing to do. Even if I didn't have one supporter of my videos I would continue to do them because I want those that distribute and sell that garbage to know that there are people watching them. And yes, I probably do lack "certain communication skills" but as a stutterer all my life doing these videos aren't always easy, but doing the videos has been very therapeutic for me on a personal level. How can a true buyer/seller/collector in the hobby sit by idly without being furious about what is going on in the hobby. I can't, and that's why I do the videos despite the threats and personal attacks. I'd like to respectfully ask Mr. Tatsr, what is his contribution in the war against sellers and distributors of forgeries? I also want to state, and I've always said, that my videos are not meant to be educational, they are there to expose those that are ruining and diluting the hobby with garbage. Maybe you, Mr. Tatsr, can begin producing educational videos on autographs as I would love to watch them. But that's not for me. I tried educating buyers for years about autographs and they don't want to listen. Believe me, I tried, Mr. Tatsr.

[GrayGhost]

I enjoy your videos and the information I get from them, about the forgers. its helped me turn stuff in on ebay at times too. Thanks for doing them, and keep it up. All the help the hobby can use, it should take, without personal attacks by some people.

[perezfan]

Yes- many thanks for the work you do, tomtresh2! Anybody who's attacking you either has his priorites messed up or is an owner/seller of bogus material. I don't know how anyone could dispute or find fault with your "mission".

Keep fighting the good fight.... It is much appreciated!

Mark

[Bilko G]

where can we watch your videos at thetruthisoutthere?

[thetruthisoutthere]

Thank you guys, I always appreciate the support. I also wanted to mention that I don't do the videos to win any popularity contest; I do them because "it's about time that we started letting the distributors and sellers of forgeries know that they are being watched and that their intimidation tactics will not scare us." Below are links to my two most recent videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0CFwqehYnY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bgm5TJkGpU

[Chris-Counts]

One of the reasons I like collecting off-grade oddball stuff (and avoid high-grade slabbed cards and autographs in general) is because I don't have to deal with very many scoundrels. It's so clear to me that some of the big names and well-known companies in the hobby have engaged in extensive fraud for profit. Personally, I don't have the stomach or the will to go after these guys myself, but I have great respect for anyone who does. The only surprise to me is how most of these guys have avoided prosecution or incarceration. Keep up the good work and give 'em hell!

[Fuddjcal]

You know I'm a follower since day 1. I have been more focused on your plight now you've taken it "Global" with the all the questionable Mantle GAI, Burczyk and of course the Stat/TTA garbage. Some samples of the forgeries below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Autographed-Mick...item2a0ae7bb3d

http://cgi.ebay.com/MICKEY-MANTLE-SI...item51959cc847


The photos of these fakes are always the same tired poses with the most horrible of signature in the worst possible place. The one thing that the backers of these fakes fail to take into account is that Mantle was an artist with his signature, not a hack. Mantle figured if someone was paying for his signature, he'd give them a good one, right ON the "perfect spot" too for the particular photo he was signing. Besides the phony Burczyk version signature being off in 4 different points (that I can see, time and time again & I'm NO EXPERT), they are frequently in a bad spot on the photo as well or don't take up the entire "sweet spot" of the photo, like in the 4authentic photos I have had signed in person in the late 80's and early 90's and the 6 others I've purchased since..... these are all penned perfectly. They are all in person, JSA, PSA and UDA.

This fish tale going around about Mantle signing these for Scoreboard and thinking Burczyk was a "great guy" are pretty funny. Also, "JSA & PSA trying to control the market" by not certifying this version. Please elaborate about this story and how Greer Johnson was involved. Did that skank have anything to do with these. Did Mantle actually claim that he penned these... in court? What about Dimaggio not being able to tell his real signature on a ball from fakes in court? Does that make those fakes real? I'm confused. All I know is that this Bursack, GAI, STAT breed of Mantle, I'm not buying. They look NOTHING like the ones I had done in person and no where near the PSA, UD, or JSA version that they are certifying as Authentic.

Keep up the Videos. I love the passion and the message, stutter or not. I especially love the part of the video when you show the obvious forgery and say "I don't know what that is". Thanks Fonz, AAAAHHHHHEEEEEEEE

[thetruthisoutthere]

I've seen those horrid Mantle autographs, thousands certed by the now-defunct GAI with Mike Baker's signature on the certs. You're absolutely correct, Fuddjcal, about "The Mick" when he signed. He always made sure when signing a photograph that his entire name was visible and his autograph will always be a work of art. Those ugly Mantle autographs "authenticated (and I use that word loosely)" by GAI and Burczyk aren't even close. "The Mick" passed away on Aug. 13th, 1995 and all of a sudden tens of thousands of those horrid Mantle signatures flood the market out of nowhere well over a decade after "The Mick" passed away. The only reason that some of the GAI certed garbage brings more money than the Burczyk crap is because buyers who know nothing about autographs are trusting Ebay that GAI is a prequalified authenticator. You have to understand that at least 80% of those that buy and sell autographs have no idea what they are doing. Here's a simple analogy. I love US Coins. But I don't know raw coins well enough to know whether a coin has been cleaned, modified, etc. So I don't buy raw coins. Simple common sense. I always say "Look at the autograph, not the COA."

[esd10]

this reminds me of a show on court tv about a seller from the late 90's that was selling a bunch of ruth,mantle autos and he was busted by the feds with a bunch i mean a bunch of fakes and fludded the market already. there should be bigger penaltys for forging and dupping the public and killing the confidence of collectors with fake items. these company should be taken to jail along with the forgers. Its sad that you cant even feal confident about what you are buying thats why i dont buy autos from ebay without that jsa or simons coa. keep up the good fight im behind you 100% on this issue

[GrayGhost]

Agreed, but had a little problem with some of your spelling

[Fuddjcal]

I just want to keep this thread out here, so other knumbskulls like me can see it....

Here's another E-Bay Big Shifter, trying to get rich all at once.

GEAR DOWN BIG SHIFTER!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:X:AAQ:US:1123

I love this "Up Close" as they call it. When ever you see Mantle posing in this shot, the minute you see that toothy grin , run for the exits! I have yet to see a real signature on this toothy grin photo. Everythings Birdchick, AAU (nice big fake presence on e-bay recently), Morales (also fakes abundantly available on e-bay..if you hurry. Act now), STAT or...cheater e-bay f'ers love to advertise "with COA" or w/ "Forensic COA" with-out mentioning the name.

It is a war out there. Make sure on Thanksgiving day, you give thanks to Birdsick for making it all possible.

GOBBLE GOBBLE

[RichardSimon]

This ad really is funny.
It states that the MSRP is $1800 and the ad is offering this Mantle for $895.
First of all, the seller is a moron, all the Birdsick-Mantle pics that do sell on ebay sell for below $100.
And second of all, the phrase MSRP is hysterically funny. The manufacturer of these "autographed" photos is suggesting that the retail price is $1800. A manufactured autographed photo,,, very well phrased, draw your own conclusions. Ya' gotta love the term manufactured.

[Fuddjcal]

I'm only posting the cream of the crop for you Richard. I am only here to amuse you.

Here's another amusing fact. This beautiful $1,800 MSRP sold at $2.25 on e-bay. Then, when they relisted it at, they got negged.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...253D&viewitem=

Thanksgiving Tip#2.... When you see Mickey "At the Plate", please jump into a cold shower and step away from the computer.

[RichardSimon]

Fuddj, I can see your $2.25 Mantle and raise you $1.00 Mantle's and Williams' on some of the non ebay sites. I have seen Mantle and Williams photos go for $1, yes one buck.
But they scam you on shipping , $13 per photo to ship and no combined shipping.

[Fuddjcal]

For the Holidays, you know the mental midgets will be out. Here's a little segment I like to call MORON OF THE MONTH! Here's a guy who takes the Birdsick scam a bit further by clarifying the "Compare AT" Value. Let's meet E-bay Seller qualityservicecounts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180594239432

Thanks so much for the clarification qualityservicedummy, but could you kindly tell us who the COA is from? Well let's see, you Uncle Miltyed the Always at Auction Ad and all they do is sell these as Birdsick Forgeries. Could your COA be from Dr. Birdsick?

Lets all ad "The Portrait" to the Mickey Mantle items to avoid on E-bay.

Let's Review Fudd's Tips for the week:

Tip #1-AVOID "Up Close" as they call it. When ever you see Mantle posing in this shot, the minute you see that toothy grin , run for the exits! I have yet to see a real signature on this toothy grin photo.

Tip#2.... AVOID. When you see Mickey "At the Plate", please jump into a cold shower and step away from the computer.

TIP #3 If you see Drew Max-AAU on any autographed item... RUN LIKE RABBIT with Thorn in Paw, very fast.

TIP #4 Please AVOID any Mantle Ad that includes: “Favorite Portrait”- this is the highly sought after Gallo shot with the most mangled of all butcherings of Mantle's Signature...Disgusting.

TIP#5 PLEASE AVOID any Mantle, Dimaggio or Williams Ad that includes the other catchy phrases :"Breaking Babe Ruth’s World Series Record ", "3 in 1 photo", "Poses with Bat", “At the Plate Close-up”,“Over the Dugout”, “Holding His Bat”, Home Run Club Pwr Swing”, Standing Tall with Bat. THESE ARE ALL SCAMS AND THIS GUY HAS 'EM ALL!

[Fuddjcal]

You don't see these out there very often on E-bay...a Genuine Mantle signature with a Global GAI Certificate! This is with a Steve Sipe Cert. The forgeries with GAI Global certs have Mike Baker Cert.

Anyone who is new to collecting Mantle, Take a close look at this one and compare it to the forgeries and I think you'll see there is NO COMPARISON