Mantle signature opinions

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by chaddurbin

it's a catch-22 with those that know what to look for. if they point it out, that just gives the scammers more knowledge to work with. so i understand why people can be tight-lipped about these things.

Finally! Someone understands.

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

Finally! Someone understands.

I guess I is a moron, because I don't understand. I think there should be as much out there on the subject as possible and "tight lipped" cricket chirpers who know about all these scams and what to look for say too little too often.

Crooks are everywhere, that doesn't mean we should give them a free ride and not edumacate lowly collectors like Fudd. That's why you will never see an authenticator chime in on this subject. While I respect Jodi's experience and opinions immensely and see his point, I will continue to spew what very little learned knowledge I have because frankly, I don't give a rat's ass about any of the forgers. If they want to forge, let them. You can't control criminals, but you can educate collectors. If you can stop one person from buying a forgery, it's worth it in my opinion. You have yours....So I guess you won't be sharing any of your vast knowledge on the subject? I don't see Richard either and/or Shelly, so what you say makes sense to them too obviously. Frankly, I'm not buying the Clam up approach. How has that worked out for the industry???? FUDD

[mcgwirecom]

I can see both sides of the coin. If you are an authenticator why would you give out free opinions? Thats like giving away free product. But sometimes when you sit back and see people asking for an opinion and you see the same guys always saying "no good" but with no explanation it makes you scratch your head. It's easy to say no good, but people like to know why. Especially if it looks really similar to a good signature.

I collect McGwire items and after Operation Bullpen I got tapped by some auction houses to look at their McGwire items because this was before PSA/DNA and most authenticators just did vintage stuff. When people found out I could authenticate his signature I would get emails all the time. Is this good? Is that good? Trouble was, 9 out of 10 items were on Ebay and I was watching them to bid on them. So basically when I would say it was good I had another guy bidding against me. It's a double edged sword! LOL