Leland's LOA Credibility?

[todeen]

I just bought a signed Tris Speaker magazine pic from Leland's ebay auctions. It only had Leland's LOA and no TPA opinion. It was part of a larger estate that was being sold. I have received a couple opinions as to whether to seek a TPA opinion: some say Leland's is legit and not to worry, and another opinion was it was funny an auction house would authenticate an item it had a personal stake in ($) and that I should get a second opinion. What is the general opinion of this body of bloggers?

[shelly]

I would trust them more than the Tpa's.

[drcy]

Their LOA is considered as reputable in the hobby as anyone's. You can do what you want, but I don't see a need to pay the fees and send it to a TPA. If you want second opinions, post a photo of the signature here.

I don't see what's wrong with an auction house issuing its own LOA. Unless the LOA is wrong.

[Leon]

They are an advertiser and Josh is a pretty good hobby friend, so take that into account. But I have always heard from most hobbyists that they do a very good job on authenticating autos, photos etc......

[drcy]

I'm not an autograph expert and don't pretend to be one, but, across the wide scape of collectibles, is one of the most reliable authenticity-wise auction houses out there.

[mighty bombjack]

Originally Posted by shelly

I would trust them more than the Tpa's.

I second this.

[JimStinson]

Nothing personal to be gained or lost here as I don't know him and have only spoken a couple times but most hobby veterans (including myself) will tell you that Leland's Mike Heffner is one of the best in the biz regarding autographs.
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[todeen]

I bought the autograph without a TPA on Leland's reputation as a knowledgeable auction house. I just didn't know for resale if it would be an issue (but I don't plan on reselling it - I'm just a collector). I also don't have questions about the signature because as far as I can tell it looks as genuine as any signature already authenticated on ebay. I just like having the peace of mind when showing off my collection as to say that my autos are authentic.

[JimStinson]

Originally Posted by todeen

I bought the autograph without a TPA on Leland's reputation as a knowledgeable auction house. I just didn't know for resale if it would be an issue (but I don't plan on reselling it - I'm just a collector). I also don't have questions about the signature because as far as I can tell it looks as genuine as any signature already authenticated on ebay. I just like having the peace of mind when showing off my collection as to say that my autos are authentic.

There is no "Magic Wand" when it comes to authenticating autographs , its like this , EYEBALLS + EXPERIENCE +REPUTATION = THE RESULT
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[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by todeen

I bought the autograph without a TPA on Leland's reputation as a knowledgeable auction house. I just didn't know for resale if it would be an issue (but I don't plan on reselling it - I'm just a collector). I also don't have questions about the signature because as far as I can tell it looks as genuine as any signature already authenticated on ebay. I just like having the peace of mind when showing off my collection as to say that my autos are authentic.

I'm willing to bet most on here will not see an item in your collection and feel it's real because it has a letter from PSA or JSA.

Ken

[JimStinson]

Let me try and paint a different picture for you...and this relates to ALL REPUTABLE AUTOGRAPH SELLERS , who put YEARS of experience and their reputations on the line every time they sell an autograph....

Now imagine for a second that Gordon Ramsey or Wolfgang Puck or ANY famous chef has just prepared for you his "signature dish" , and before you take a bite you take the plate and run over to "Moe's diner" and ask Moe if in his opinion your "Chicken Francese" was cooked properly, Moe looks the dish over and says "Give me a hundred bucks and I'll tell ya"...
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BUYING BASEBALL AUTOGRAPHS
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[todeen]

Originally Posted by earlywynnfan

I'm willing to bet most on here will not see an item in your collection and feel it's real because it has a letter from PSA or JSA.

Ken

I would agree, but times are changing. I read the blogs about botched TPA opinions and sometimes you just don't know. But JSA and PSA does help the re-sale value. One of my local respected card shops who offered his LOA is no longer around and someone in Florida would have no idea who he is. PSA is nationwide.