What happens when JSA changes their mind???

[whiteymet]

Hi Guys:

Since I started this thread I wanted to comment on a few things said above by others.

Steve: I think you are correct that authenticators should increase their learning. It is best for the hobby and those that need/want authentication services. However, as Greg said, my friend bought this at auction based on JSA saying it was legit. Seems to me once a LOA is issued they should stand behind it in one form or another.

Greg: interesting question if JSA knew they authenticated it before. I have reached out to REA for an answer to that question. I know I left the original LOA with the Robinson PC with REA. I will be interested to find out the answer.

Wayne: I don't think it would be honest for my friend to consign it with the original auction house knowing that JSA now says it is not legit. Others should not have to go through what he is going through.

Curious if anyone has consigned an items with a LOA and also notes in the description that a later examination of the same item by the same authenticator now does not think it authentic. What would buyers think?

Would an auction house with ties to JSA even list an item this way where it sort of throws egg on the face of JSA? Just wondering.

[mighty bombjack]

Originally Posted by whiteymet

Wayne: I don't think it would be honest for my friend to consign it with the original auction house knowing that JSA now says it is not legit. Others should not have to go through what he is going through.

Why would it be dishonest? He needn't lie to them. He should just explain the situation, adding that he bought the item through them and would now like to sell the item through them. Make them justify their unwillingness to sell the same thing they already sold once.

The item hasn't changed, after all.

Edited to add honest question: Does your friend think the autograph is authentic?

[Lordstan]

So, This type of stuff is certainly frustrating, but mistakes do happen. Now the real test for all involved is what happens next. Will the original AH take the item back now that it failed? If not, will JSA make him whole because he bought it based on their opinion?
I have no issue with someone giving an opinion. However, if you charge top dollar, or any amount for that matter, for your opinion because you promote yourself as an expert, you better be ready to stand behind mistakes you made, even the honest ones, that caused another person financial harm because of a decision that person made based on your opinion. After all, doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, and other have gotten sued and held accountable for problems people have had based on decisions made as a result of their opinions. So why not auction houses?

If either the original AH or JSA do stand up and make the buyer whole, then they deserve the credit for doing so. Let's see what happens.

This situation does bring up an interesting question. What would Sotheby's or Christie's do if they sold a Van Gogh or similar that was later proven to be fake? Would they refund the money or would they refer the person to the expert they used to authenticate the item for restitution? If the AH refunded the money, would they ask for a refund from the authenticator that was used? I wonder what is the standard?