Is the signature interesting/unusual/unique without the photo/item? In particular, many forgers and unethical dealers have used online review to silence or retaliate against anyone who speaks out against them. Return Policy: Conceived by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummela prolific German artist and Franciscan nunthe first figurines were produced by Franz Goebel in 1935. If the items are genuine, and the seller claims to know so much about autographs, then why is he offering them for sale at such a low price on eBay and not Christies or Sotheby's etc, where he would get a far higher price? I use bidnapper.com but there are plenty of others. To check their sales simply go to the left hand column and tick the SOLD box, and hey presto you will then see a full list of their past sales. no? The same goes for any of the steps above, they do not constitute an affirmation of guilt if a dealer does not follow one of them. Although a particular behavioral element may not always indicate dishonest intentions, there have been countless scenarios in my long collecting life that such behaviors have been consistent with suspicious autograph sellers. 0 Likes, 2023 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin. The item I buy has a COA come with it. Please be aware that there are now a growing number of forgers who are in a different country to which they are selling in. Processing your payment has never been easier, safer, or more secure. But in this crazy world we live in where many people are money-hungry, fake autographs exist. Each list was prepared by the experts at PSA/DNA, based on our observations in 2012. In other words, prove the seller to be genuine first, rather than the item. Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator. It's only $10 for autographs on eBay and $15 for auctions off of eBay. If someone is offering you an extremely cheap autograph, they could be out to make a quick buck. While most Hummels go for $50, some of them are worth a few hundred dollars, and rare Hummels can sell for up to 5-figures during auctions. Also, look at how unnatural the "Fr" connection is in the Frank forgery. Happy customers leave real testimonials in their realnames. I understand the "risk" of purchasing a fake with a fake COA. Most will try to convince you that industry-recognized third-party authentication services are not credible. These sites will take ANY reports form an anonymous source and do NO identity verification. only to find out the autograph is fake and worth no more than . I have a bunch of personally watched, met, and signed autos from athletes that I got COA's for from Beckett. Because Ars Sacra was the first company to publish M.I. Despite signing thousands upon thousands of autographs while under contract with Upper Deck and Upper Deck Authenticated, the supply is not nearly enough to satisfy demand. I don't know anything about the others. I assume that Beckett is on that list of top COA's. The Goebel company carefully controls the production process in order to ensure that a Hummel figurine made in 2010 is exactly the same as one made in 1950. But if its fake, then its fake, and it will always be fake! We think you will find it an invaluable reference if you keep it by your computer, and I can guarantee that it will save you money! There are more specialized websites focusing on antiques and collectibles of value, like Ruby Lane. COA's. Lyle, I have several baseballs,that were gave to me after a persons deathI have no coas,but I need them re-gradedhelp please.thanks. Hummel and her darling figurines. Sinatra usually added an inscription to in-person autograph requests, as did other major stars like John Wayne, Judy Garland and Marlon Brando. Because their items were never purchasedor were bought from a source of forgeries for pennies on the dollar. Check the category its listed in, read the wording carefully and check the feedback, others may have spotted the truth! In its report, PSA/DNA also points out that not all fake autographs were created with the intent to defraud people. Look for the typical behavior of someone engaged in illicit activity. Fountain, ballpoint or fiber/felt? Its a 1 4 digit number that identifies its model. If you have a Hummel figurine, but youre not sure what its worth, stick around. You can get an idea for the true value for most pieces by doing some research. , bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth. I was voted UACC dealer of the year in 2000, AFTAL dealer of the year in 2011 and won the UACC Presidents Quality Award in 2006 and have been buying and selling autographs for over 20 years. Spotting fakes is a very difficult task that requires many years of experience, however, spotting the sellers of fakes is much easier, and this is what you should concentrate on.Remember this. Collectors always need to be careful when they're buying autographs. Value: Hummel was personally attacked for her art. Buyers leave feedback based mainly on fast delivery of the goods, and buyers bid on fake items in the first place because they believe they are genuine, otherwise they would not have bid in the first place! Also, opinions of authentication services continue to be an endless debate in the collecting community. Comparison to similar for quality - mediocre or exceptional? We have enough of that to go around. Keep in mind, though, some fraudsters are very slick and polished. There is one seller on eBay right now that claims to be a leading light in the "in person" autograph collecting field, but ask any of the well known in person autograph collectors, and they will all tell you they have never heard of him! If youre looking for the best autographed Kansas Jayhawk memorabilia, contact Framewoods Gallery today. This is the safest place to look for real pieces. Whenever possible, ask a reputable dealer or experienced collector for an opinion on the autograph you're considering, and even better, other autographs the seller is offering. For example, an opinion from one dealer may tick off another reputable dealer and result in a hostile reaction. Best inscription (if any possible)/dedication/dated? You can see where the forger is tracing slowly at the beginning so the ink is applied heavily in the first few letters. That in and of itself does NOT always mean the dealer is dishonest and/or selling forgeries. For obvious reasons, suspicious sellers have an aversion to reputable independent authentication. 11) Ask the seller if they will refund your money in full if it fails to pass PSA/DNA or JSABEFORE you buy. While it receives less traffic, visitors are more targeted and likely to treat your Hummel figurines appropriately. Check the bottom of the listing (left hand side) for this, and check the feedback too, if the feedback does not show what other items the seller has sold then they are using the PRIVATE option, my advice then is to simply avoid them, as they are very probably hiding something. 8) Most suspect sellers have no credible affiliations with industry-recognized organizations. Complex figurines are made from up to 40 individual pieces, which are molded separately and joined later. I have only a small number of autographs, none of them sports stars, most of which were signed in person, so I have no doubt about their authenticity. Stay up to date on all the latest sports card and memorabilia news, articles, and products by subscribing to our newsletter below: Is a MVP with a number and a certificate of authenticity real or traceable? If your figurine is made out of plastic, its not a genuine Hummel. 0 Comments What are the chances of receiving a fake? Demand for his signature transcends the sport. For example, an opinion from one dealer may tick off another reputable dealer and result in a hostile reaction. MySpace I think what they meant was, it warned too many people about the problems of buying on eBay! I guess what I am asking is, how are these things regulated with online purchases? With the career accolades starting to pile up, there has been an increased interest in Derek Jeter autographs. Some forums etc will suggest that you ask the seller some questions, but other than asking a seller about the size of the item etc, don't waste your time asking them about the authenticity of the signature, as this has got to the the most stupid question you could ask any dealer, good or bad! In other words, read the pages on eBay about how the proxy bidding system can work for you. Also, these steps are not "set in stone". you can obtain some excellent bargains. Enjoy a better manner of doing business with signNow. 3 Comments For example, some dealers do not accept 3rd party authentication. I understand the "risk" of purchasing a fake with a fake COA. 4) Very little or none of the sellers inventory has been authenticated by a reputable third-party authentication service like JSA or PSA/DNA. 0 Comments Use the My Signature tool to create your unique signature. then it is probably very little use, as the third party issuer certainly won't refund your money if it turns out to be no good! Look for any odd hues and shades on your figurine. It wouldnt! https://www.autographcoa.com/. Ink damaged/scratched/smudged? Asking for Payment via Cash or Western Union is against eBay UK rules too, so avoid these sellers. The process to render the drawing into a completed porcelain figurine could take months and each step received the approval of the Sisters of Siessen. Agree 100%. I also recommend if you do not know of a seller or a specific item, post it here for opinionsbefore you buy. Leading the way, once again, is Babe Ruth. This guide can help you identify your Hummel figurine and its worth, however, its not exhaustive. Now, I try to hit some autograph shows when ever they come to town or I visit a city and there is one there. Suffice to say, if you have a TMK-2 or a TMK-3, your Hummel is older and worth more. As a result, the number of fakes has also increased. And lastly, when buying autographs, always remember that its the autograph you are buying, don't get sucked in by the story that goes with it, because in most cases that's all it is, a story! Turn the document into a dynamic PDF with fillable fields. Again, its the provenance of the seller you need check, not the provenance of the item! However, when the Beswick company was later bought, no documentation, molds, or references for the Hummel figurines were discovered. Learn how to bid. PSA/DNA has released their latest list of the most forged sports autographs and it's filled with all-time greats and current stars. Take anonymous complaints or complaints from people using fictitious names with a grain of salt. So much can be said and attraction added by the right mats and frames. Shop Sales Born in 1909 in Massing, Germany, Berta Hummel was encouraged by her parents to develop her artistic talent. Unless you can be 100% certain, stay away from sellers in far off lands, chances are you will also end up being stung for import duty and VAT on fake items from a seller you will never get a refund from. An inventory of genuine autographs will usually have a dramatic diversity. ), Poland, Romania, Russia etc. An authentic Ford photo would sell starting at $300-$500 depending on the pose. Forget about any COA, an item is either real or its fake, and no amount of classy COA with triple holograms, a wax seal, fancy ribbon, DNA, or nice paper will make a poor fake into a genuine bargain. 4) Very little or none of the sellers inventory has been authenticated by a reputable third-party authentication service like JSA or PSA/DNA. Find out about the sniper programs that others are using, they are a must if you want to outbid your rivals. A COA is only as good as the issuer. The point is to look for a pattern of behavior. How does this fit in with other items I have collected using similar criterion? 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are its a fake. Or natural characteristics in certain letters may be missing or unnatural. If the seller has Madonna, Churchill, Elvis, etc all listed at the same time, and below their true market value, then they are likely to be fake, so you know what to do! RED FLAG: It is common for sellers of autograph forgeries to consistently claim their autograph inventory was acquired from a deceased source, since such a claim cannot be verified. Value: Cut Signature - $175, High-Grade Signed Basketball - $600. NOTE: Be wary of many of today's complaint websites like RipoffReport.com and PissedConsumer.com. After you have a jumped all those hurdles and did all that homework and you have a good dealer and you are considering a purchase - these are some of the things that go through my head. Unless you already have considerable experience, then only buy from dealers who are actually members of AFTAL, the UACC Registered Dealer program, RACC or PADA (and can prove it) any other membership is virtually worthless, and be careful, anyone can join the UACC or the Manuscript Society, they are after all clubs for autograph collectors, but you have to be a little special to become a UACC or AFTAL dealer.UACC dealers who are part of the Registered Dealer Program have been members for 3 years or more, and have proved they know what they are talking about, they have provided both references from other known dealers, and their stock has been checked on a regular basis by other dealers. Every dealer, even good ones get some negative occasionally, you cant please everyone. I don't know the answer but would like to hear what others think. ), Elvis will cost you 700 plus minimum, and a simple signature of Churchill would set you back around 700 upwards, so forget about that 50 signed colour photo with loads of provenance that looks a bargain! One such instance is the use of secretaries and paid assistants over the years. Yes? Recent auction/sale results for like material? Each figure depicts the students standing together with their school supplies. Sometimes, its just another factory control number. If I buy something online, say from a "legitimate" retailer (sportsmemorabilia, pristine auction, fantatics). Why would the autograph of one man look just like that of another? Also, be very picky about letters of authenticity. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are it's a fake. Finally, it always helps if theres a third party independent authentication service (like JSA or PSA) involved that can verify, for sure, that an autograph is authentic. That in and of itself does NOT always mean the dealer is dishonest and/or selling forgeries. What they are really saying is, I dont want anyone to have the power to reveal my autographs are fake., If a seller can't show you his eBay account, there is a possibility that the seller has been banned by eBay for selling forgeries, or for other fraudulent activity. If you are a member of the UACC Registered Dealer Program and they find that you are knowing selling fake autographs, you will be banned. In addition to the pieces made during World War II, Asian manufacturers have flooded the market with copies and reproductions, which are worth considerably less. Items still slip through the cracks. Unscrupulous dealers know the cost for a customer to sue them for a refund on a fake autograph is rarely worth it, so they will not honor their guarantee. You will find some sellers change their id multiple times a year, I wonder why!If you want the full lowdown on all of the tricks that sellers pull when selling crap on eBay, then I suggest you buy this book "Fakes, Forgery, Lies and eBay" The book will cost you just a few 's and is a true story about a seller who got sucked into a scam selling fakes on eBay, its very accurate and will make anyone who reads it aware of just how easy it is to operate this scam on eBay, and the worst part is that eBay have not made any changes that prevent the same thing from happening again! Each figurine has the so-called Hummel or HUM number. If a seller can't show you his eBay account, there is a possibility that the seller has been banned by eBay for selling forgeries, or for other fraudulent activity. Autographs of Morrison, John Lennon (or anything with all four Beatles), Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, John Bonham (or anything with all four members of Led Zeppelin) are all very rare. By that time, Dr. Herbert Dubler and Ars Sacra had already established a New York-based distribution company. Anyonewith any discernment sees right through this garbage. 0 Likes, by Marvin Gee There is very high demand for the signature from the late Yankees hero and there's a large volume of forgeries. There were some names that thrust into the top ten since the last time we generated this report, like Neil Armstrong and Derek Jeter, and others that fell off the list, like LeBron James. It has an unnatural, freshly signed look to it with no aging at all. The natural characteristics ofeach letter are also missing, particularly how Sinatra uniquely made his "a" with an underlying loop. Because such independent analysis can expose fraudulent autograph sellers. Ink color. A master sculptor then created a clay figurine from the drawing, spending weeks perfecting the shapes, lines, and features in an effort to stay as close to Hummels work as possible. These patterns may be from a fishy similarity in the configuration of the autographs, the type of pen used, the medium used, to most of classic and vintage autographs not being inscribed to someone, or, especially telling, a hard to believe supply. Agree with Steve, as well as all those framing options. Charges Dropped Against Florida Autograph Dealer Booted from 2018 National. Autograph Live: How to use our Musician-Direct Autograph Sales Forum. For me, uniform frames will never work. The forgers come out. Disagree with previous two to a degree. 2 Comments Start your free trial No credit card required Award-winning eSignature solution Send my document for signature Get your document eSigned by multiple recipients. what do other well known dealers think of them etc? Note the ink of the forgery. We are wondering what it might be worth. Agree 100%. Create a signNow account (if you haven't registered yet) or log in using your Google or Facebook. These sites are flooded with fakes,, malicious reviews. Ted Williams: Baseball - $350-500 MySpace Tweet Facebook Facebook. Is it hostile? This piece was produced in 1000 units, which makes it an extremely rare Hummel figurine. Unless they sell mostly autographs from the last 25 years or so, when their inventory contains mostly glossy photos or autographs signed on plain slips of paper, in books or programs, and most items are not inscribed, a red flag should go way up. In particular, many forgers and unethical dealers have used online review to silence or retaliate against anyone who speaks out against them. The signs below are mostly from personal experiences over my 30 years of collecting. Many celebrities have used them over the years to respond to autograph requests through the mail. Does it have any location stated at all? Different logos were used in different periods, which makes it easy to identify how old your Hummel is. With all the work that goes into making these figurines, its no wonder that theyre so highly prized. Even on the extremely rare chancean unknowledgeable seller offered one for such a low cost, it would not last a day. They change their name normally because they have had some bad press somewhere (such as on the isitreal.com) and so change it to try and hide. Their ranking on the last list is also noted in parentheses. A HUGE red flag is a seller of elaborately framed memorabilia, but no close-up images of the actual autograph. Ask where they acquired itand for proof. Toll Free: 1-800-399-5199 Frequency of items with comparable presentation/condition? We dont like it, and we dont do it. Only 2,500 of these were produced, which is the main price- forming factor. And there are many websites like that one. The color palette can be recognized across genuine Hummel figurines. Finally, every genre of collecting or investment has risks (none more than the stock market!). Dont fall for the sellers old tosh about protecting your privacy, its only their privacy they are concerned with not yours! Listen to their rationale for why they are not a member. Also, these steps are not "set in stone". In the early 1930s, Hummels drawings were published as postcards by Munich-based publisher Ars Sacra. The last auction ended on 04/29/2023 at 7:00 PM CST! If one ever does it will sell for many thousands of dollars, not $399 like this particular site sells them for. Always pay for items using PayPal, if you don't have an account then open one, worst case pay using your credit card. Best condition possible (considering above etc.)? Testimonials Information. I need to note that there are exceptions. This does not help identify someone who is. Now I realize that there are reputable dealers who may fail one of the above tests. However, there is no one that loathes the 3rdparty authentication services more than the forgery industry, for obvious reasons. If you have already purchased items on eBay that come with a COA, take a look at them now, do they have the sellers full details on them, name, address etc, no? I can across bit I wrote that might be a good counterpoint after locating a source. After graduating with honors from the State School of Applied Arts in Munich in 1931, Berta joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen, where she was given the name of Maria Innocentia. Facebook Michael Jordan (Previous Ranking: 4) Variety of items (album, CD, booklet, ticket, flat, brochure/program). Kevin Conway Conway's Vintage Treasures UACC Dealer No 307 LAMP Approved Dealer www.cvtreasures.com. Since a seller of autograph forgeries can't honestly defend their products, the result is often vehement, personal attacks against those who question them. They may not have images at all. I also attended the very first eBay University here in the UK, and was even trained by eBay as an eBay Education Specialist, and have given tuition to dozens of people on eBay to both buy and sell, and expand their business, so when it comes to eBay and autographs I believe I know what I am talking about! Note the ink of the forgery. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest (and most popular) hockey player of all-time. 100% customer satisfaction. Charges were filed. Always check the location of the seller. Great input Eric.One point that I would add a caveat to . How can I trust these sites if everything could be a fake? Like most forgers, this one doesn't risk adding more evidence of his handiwork by adding an inscription. Although a dealer in historical autographs can probably get Lincoln fairly quickly. The market will not allow this to happen. Also, be sure to do your homework re prices as well. Eventually, it would become clear the same person was likely manufacturing most orall of them. It was at the convent that sister Hummel started drawing sweet children with rosy cheeks performing daily tasks. Value: Cut Signature - $125, High-Grade Signed Baseball - $350. But I guess, how high can the risk be through these supposedly "legit" retailers? A COA is just an opinion or represents provenance. The truth is that some of these 'sellers' have been refused membership or have already been thrown out! For example, one website that sells autographed movie posters always have plenty of Godfather signed posters, even including Marlon Brando's autograph. APOLLO 11 * PSA * Autograph Vintage 1969 Crew Signed Neil Armstrong Buzz Aldrin $3,350.00 JOHN F. KENNEDY * PSA/DNA * Signed ASK NOT Speech Autograph 2 Days Before Death $12,495.00 John F. Kennedy Signed US Senate Letter 1953 JFK Autographed JSA LOA $2,999.99 John F. Kennedy ~ Signed Autographed 1954 Letter w/ Full Signature ~ JSA LOA $3,495.00 In addition, the signature was obviously traced from the Frank Sinatra signature study. Most Hummel figurines are worth $50-$75. Obviously, the latter are more valuable. Organizations which do not hold members accountable, even credible organizations like the Manuscript Society or Better Business Bureau, should, One of the best ways to find out about the reputation of a dealer is to ask other collectors and professionals in active autograph forums and communities like Autograph. Three years worth of docket updates dutifully filed online by the clerk of courts. There is a website that sells such rare (but actually forged) items like Boris Karloff autographed Frankenstein photos for about $500, and John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland signed 8x10 photos for $299. 1) First, look for patterns and similarities across items. Many historic autograph dealers rarely use third-party authenticators, and some of dealers in entertainment autographs don't use them that much, but virtually all will give you a refund under the terms of their guarantee if the autograph fails an authenticator respected by the industry. Learn how it works, always bid slightly higher than you are prepared to pay and use it to your advantage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2008-2023 The Cardboard Connection. If the UACC bans you for selling forgeries, you will likely land on the UACC Hall of Shame list. Operation Bullpen: Authenticators and Autograph Sellers to Watch for Authenticators and sellers targeted by the FBI for forgeries and frauds are still finding their way onto online marketplace sites, including eBay. Other markings you can find on authentic Hummel figurines are: Its very easy to tell a forgery from an authentic Hummel figurine if you put them side by side and know what to look for. Ebay will then give you a full list of all the items the seller has sold in the last 15 days. Thus the Dubler figurines were born. You can see what they currently have for sale there, and autographs they sold or listings that ended in the recent past. One of the best ways to find out about the reputation of a dealer is to ask other collectors and professionals in active autograph forums and communities like Autograph Liveand on Facebook and eBay. The natural characteristics of. Age can be determined by the TMK marking style. Forgeries remain a major problem. Virtually all credible authenticators and dealerswho have rejected fakes or exposed fake sellers have phony complaintspostedagainstthem. Don't miss any updates or promotions, sign up to our newsletter today. What to look for in a dealers presentation, reputation and behavior that may be a red flag that something isn't right. If for any reason youre unhappy with the product please contact us: 1-800-399-5199 for return or exchange instructions. Quick Links: These fake Verleihungsliste are so common that they have been assumed to be authentic with CoAs by people with no expertise in the field of wartime autographs. To check their sales go to 'Advanced Search' then 'Search by Seller' and remember to click on 'Include Completed Listings'. Optimal contrast/placement? There may be as many as 50 different figurines produced by Herbert Dubler Inc.