Proposal if the showpiece of the collection turns out to be fake?

on Freitag, 14 Januar 2011. Posted in Autograph forgeries

In the years 1997 to 1999, I had me a collection of 50 autographs with a focus on Hollywood stars built from. The framed pictures were hung in my old apartment. I was particularly proud of a certificate signed by Marilyn Monroe black and white photo, which took in my living room wall a central square. I had this piece in 1999 for approximately $ 4,000 from a dealer in California purchased. 

The move to a new address last February, I decided to sell the collection and in this context by Markus Brandes on contact.

His feedback was very disappointing: the Marilyn Monroe signature was most likely a fake. He could not vouch for the authenticity to its customers and asks for understanding that a purchase is not an option for him. I will ask the dealer for a refund. At first I was not impressed by this idea.

The cost seemed high to me, the chances of success are very low. Mark was convinced, however, that the dubious dealers only learn their lesson in this way and offered me tactical support. He recommended me the following two strategies: 1 The dealer autographs for half price offer on the second to ask the dealer what 3rd party authentication services acceptable to him would(Selection: PSA, ISITREAL.com or James Spence). I am me on no dubious " forensic authenticators" let in. With these pieces of advice prepared I decided on 24 August 2010 to contact the dealer. Everything which I did not have was nota the bene picture and an undated authenticity certificate of the dealer - a purchase receipt. Follows now a summary of the correspondence, which covers ever approximately five emails of both parties: On my friendly but certain inquiry for 50% Refund, in the exchange against the commodity, reacts the dealer with the answer, it stands behind its sold product and asks me for its feed to the forensischen Authentifikation by Donald Frangipani, which works also for the FBI.

He (the dealer) take over the costs of the appraisal of USD 100. I am astonished at the offer, find one with google nevertheless search no particularly flatterful comments over Mr. Frangipani.

I insist thus far on one of the independent authentication services. If I learned something from the Subprime crisis, then my answer, then this that the Authentikator (rating agency) is to be never determined on the part of the salesman.

I increase the pressure and suggest to him again two options: 1. I take over the costs of an independent appraisal (approx. USD 300). If the autograph should be genuine, is it me the autograph (with a market value of over USD 10' 000) for USD 5' 000 buy. If it is a falsification, it pays me 100% Refund of USD 4' 000. 2. I am still ready to return it the commodity (picture and certificate) without further unnecessary publicity for 50% Refund. The second, diskretere variant seemed to be the dealer the better solution; he consented two days later.

Whereupon I sent the commodity it by DHL (proof feed). On 23 August was it so far: my bank announced the entrance of USD 2' 000.

Thus I probably locked and can this unpleasant case with a blue eye now the more pleasing things of the life concentrate. My thanks go at Markus of fire, which sets the high standards, which are indispensable for this industry with its professionalism.

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