How do you verify before purchasing?

[jgmp123]

I echo Dave. Jim and Richard have been my go to for my collecting needs.

[Exhibitman]

If you are interested in superstar baseball autographs and don't want to pay for certifications, I echo the recommendation for Jim Stinson. My dealings with Jim have been tip top. I've heard good things about Richard too but haven't dealt with him so I cannot opine from experience. I am sure you are fine as well if you want to acquire a signed item directly from a promoter like Tristar that runs autograph shows and the National autograph pavilion. I believe they offer signed merch TTM, and I think they've had all of the fellows you referenced as guests, so odds are they have in stock photos. I think Rich Altman of Hollywood Collectibles [FL] has a lot of signed inventory from signings he did; sure looks that way at the National every year. If you choose to buy anonymously on eBay, you are rolling the dice and dealing with whoever happens to be on the other end of the computer.

One thing you might consider are manufacturer certified insert cards if the goal is the autograph rather than a display photo. I've picked up quite a few HOFers from the 1950s-1960s-1970s on certified insert cards for a fraction of the cost of live signings. A guy like Gibson signs a lot of stuff and has for years, so you can readily pick up an insert card from an older set.

[gregr2]

Thanks for the input. I really am trying to avoid paying the premium for the PSA/DNA certs but don't want to just give my money away for fraudulent items. I really wish the hobby hadn't come to this, but here we are.

I'll look into the recommendations above, thanks guys!

Greg

[Maddog]

Jim and Rich are two of the best there are.
Ron Gordon and Rich Albersheim are also good sources especially for
football items.
Probably 60% of my non IP items are from the above 4.
I make it a policy that any item over a certain $$ value is best bought by one of the above.