Authentication Letters, OR ARE THEY?

[ChiefBeef]

I don't get this. An auction house tells you they have an item up for auction that includes a XXX Letter of Authenticity. Seems the description is pretty clear. They have an item for auction that has been authenticated by a truly well respected, highly trusted authenticator in the business that says, in their professional opinion, that this autograph on this item is real. (And because of our highly respected and well documented history of being right you can take that to the bank!) Well how about when you get this item with this letter, and the letter says we only really mean this if you pay us an additional $xx to confirm this opinion. What the heck! How can this really be an authenticated item to begin with? Or is it really authentic, but potentially is not authentic after 45 days? It does not seem quite right to me.

[Deertick]

Auction LOA. I don't take much stock in LOA's in general, but It has given me a little piece of mind on a few items that I couldn't tell solely by the scans for instance.
For that reason, I have never paid for a 'Full LOA'. I just print out the auction description, invoice and keep any paperwork filed in case I go to resell and it matters to the buyer. I also give my personal guarantee that it would grade authentic or money back no questions.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Deertick

Auction LOA. I don't take much stock in LOA's in general, but It has given me a little piece of mind on a few items that I couldn't tell solely by the scans for instance.
For that reason, I have never paid for a 'Full LOA'. I just print out the auction description, invoice and keep any paperwork filed in case I go to resell and it matters to the buyer. I also give my personal guarantee that it would grade authentic or money back no questions.

+1 Agree.
Just another way to make money for themselves by driving up the value of the bids/their % without having to go thru the hassle, time and expense of getting it actually done

[ChiefBeef]

Agree, and do that myself.

[sicollector1954]

So I went to the Chicago sports show yesterday where the "BIG 3". authentication companies were set up. I took a 1947 mini bat given to the Rockford Peaches manager by the team. I suspected this might be the case but thought I would at least see what the reaction was. The mini bat was wood engraved by the 17 players. Some printed their names on the bat...however, several including Kamenshek wrote with the wood engraver in cursive. All 3 companies said they would not authenticate the signatures because it was NOT live ink. Not a problem--I know they are real signatures but interesting that they all chose to stay away.

[perezfan]

That's a very cool piece. Who cares what they say, as it's just a money-making tool that's not necessary since you know what it is. Awesome item... thanks for sharing!

[sicollector1954]

Thanks! I actually have another as well which was a gift from Helen Filarski to her sister Grace. The story I have heard was that these mini bats were possibly made by special needs people from the community and then sold at the Peaches games at the Beyer Stadium souvenir stand. Felt great to find one and then several years later...a second...was curious what the 3 companies would say or if any would be different than another...they were not.