Buying autographs on eBay?

therorkstar · 05-26-2015, 01:58 PM

I wasn't sure what forum this should be under, so mods, feel free to move it!

I'm working on a Star Wars main cast 8x10 collection, 2 of which I got in person and one that I got via mail. I'm looking in to picking up Harrison Ford next, but I'm a little wary of the authenticity:

Harrison Ford Star Wars Autograph 8x10 Photo | eBay

From the seller:
No COA. Was acquired from a dealer. Thanks!

I guess there's a small chance like everything else. But even ones with COA's there's still a small chance that it couldn't be real. Even the biggest companies have put out fakes. The dealer that I get items from is out of California. There just independent not a company they go to signings shows premieres stuff like that. Thanks!!

The photo for auction:

Compared to the Masterwork set:

What's everyone's opinion? It's a low enough bid that if it's fake, I guess it's not a huge loss, but still sketchy.

Jackg1980 · 05-26-2015, 02:04 PM

Does not look good, have you compared them to other 8x10?

jjsmallvillelvr · 05-26-2015, 02:07 PM

The 'H' doesnt have both bars and the 'F' is totally different. But sigs can change, guess it depends on how far apart they are. The basic letters dont usually change that much imo, but you never know. I wouldn't get it without a COA.

SDcardguy24 · 05-26-2015, 02:09 PM

could be rushed I guess but a lot of the sellers other items dont look good either imo

If I was buying a Ford I'd probably just stick with one from Official Pix, PSA, or K9

jjsmallvillelvr · 05-26-2015, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDcardguy24

could be rushed I guess but a lot of the sellers other items dont look good either imo

If I was buying a Ford I'd probably just stick with one from Official Pix, PSA, or K9

It doesnt really looked rushed tho, its not sloppy or uneven. Just looks like a terrible attempt at a forgery. Actually, it doesnt even look like an attempt at a forgery, it looks like someone just signed it in their handwriting and figured someone would pay for it. Lol.

robomole · 05-26-2015, 02:17 PM

I'm the type that if I don't know it's real, then it'll always bug me every time I look at it.

PSA/DNA while not perfect, is extremely trustworthy which is why their certified autos cost a premium.

COA's are meaningless. I can print you one for that photo right now and it would just be a piece of paper.

What I look for on uncertified eBay items is signing proof pictures. Now just like COA's anyone can take a picture of a celebrity and claim they got your item signed. Often you will see pictures of the celebrity signing a different photo and they call it "proof". What I consider proof is the celebrity signing the exact item and I can see that the signature correlates with the eBay item photos. Now I know sellers can't always nail the perfect proof picture, but if most of their items have the adequate proof, then I'm willing to give the rest of their items the benefit of the doubt.

Most signed items on ebay are fake and you have to be extremely careful. Just look at this for example.
Avengers Age of Ultron Cast Signed VIP Movie Poster Hulk Iron Man Thor Comic CGC | eBay
Seller is gonna make a killing. And while he has a pretty COA and stickers. To my eyes it is clearly fake. Autos look signed by the same person across the board. It's too perfect. Yet people are gonna pay for it. Sad.

EDIT: I looked at your sellers other items. Check out their signed photos for Kate Upton and Kate Beckinsale. The "K" is written exactly the same in both instances. Either the 2 write their K's remarkably similar, or they were all signed by the same person.

therorkstar · 05-26-2015, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjsmallvillelvr

It doesnt really looked rushed tho, its not sloppy or uneven. Just looks like a terrible attempt at a forgery. Actually, it doesnt even look like an attempt at a forgery, it looks like someone just signed it in their handwriting and figured someone would pay for it. Lol.

Yeah, the seller's response didn't instill a lot of confidence. Just said that he acquired it through a dealer in California. There are other photos that have been authenticated through PSA, but even then, you never know if it's 100% authentic unless you get it yourself or through something like Masterwork or another official source.

therorkstar · 05-26-2015, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robomole

I'm the type that if I don't know it's real, then it'll always bug me every time I look at it.

PSA/DNA while not perfect, is extremely trustworthy which is why their certified autos cost a premium.

COA's are meaningless. I can print you one for that photo right now and it would just be a piece of paper.

What I look for on uncertified eBay items is signing proof pictures. Now just like COA's anyone can take a picture of a celebrity and claim they got your item signed. Often you will see pictures of the celebrity signing a different photo and they call it "proof". What I consider proof is the celebrity signing the exact item and I can see that the signature correlates with the eBay item photos. Now I know sellers can't always nail the perfect proof picture, but if most of their items have the adequate proof, then I'm willing to give the rest of their items the benefit of the doubt.

Most signed items on ebay are fake and you have to be extremely careful. Just look at this for example.
Avengers Age of Ultron Cast Signed VIP Movie Poster Hulk Iron Man Thor Comic CGC | eBay
Seller is gonna make a killing. And while he has a pretty COA and stickers. To my eyes it is clearly fake. Autos look signed by the same person across the board. It's too perfect. Yet people are gonna pay for it. Sad.

Both of the VIP Access passes look fake as well as the COA. Anyone can print off a COA and say it's the real deal, myself included, haha. But those passes look really bad.

therorkstar · 05-26-2015, 02:28 PM

I just found this site, pretty helpful in comparing his various in-person autographs:

Harrison Ford...Real v.s. Fake - Autograph Magazine Live

jjsmallvillelvr · 05-26-2015, 02:37 PM

Lmao, if you are going to base your business on forgeries, at least be good at it.

that auto just isnt really close to any of theM in that link. What a waste. People who do that suck. They make collecting so much harder filling the market with garbage.

Spider-Fan · 05-26-2015, 03:40 PM

Yeah with autographed pictures verses cards it can be really tough to tell because the signing situation is so much different, even throughout the day. I know at a lot of these signing events in the morning things start off slow and everybody gets to say "hi" and maybe a hand shake, but as the day goes on and they need to push people through the line then everything just gets rushed.

rittdk01 · 05-26-2015, 05:31 PM

I sell autographs online from time to time, but almost never buy. The ones I sell I get from cons and include either a picture of me with the person or a pic of them signing.

I can't buy without seeing the person signing, buying from a private signing or buying from a large company like creation. Too many fakes I would never enjoy it.

rittdk01 · 05-26-2015, 05:35 PM

^^^the studios for television shows give the actors promos to send out ttm. Normally have the name of the show, channel or studio and the actors name in a border. These I would trust too, especially if they r personalized.

gdelan1 · 05-26-2015, 10:04 PM

If you are looking for a reputable seller on ebay, try this one barnhollow on eBay
he has a contract with Celebrity Authentics (I emailed them to check it out since his prices are far below what they ask in their catalogs)

baytowntex · 05-27-2015, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rittdk01

^^^the studios for television shows give the actors promos to send out ttm. Normally have the name of the show, channel or studio and the actors name in a border. These I would trust too, especially if they r personalized.

kind of like my BBT signed cast photo..

gdelan1 · 11-26-2015, 10:41 PM

For example on the Barnhollow seller (Celebrity Authentics) : I just won a poster (of Conan) signed by Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Steven Lang, and Rose McGowan for $21.50. Momoa alone costs $50 at cons, I'm sure Nichols is similar. With shipping, it's still less than $40. A shitty movie, but good autographs none the less.
Conan The Barbarian Cast Autographed 16x24 Conan The Barbarian Movie Photo CA | eBay

Wolf8MeVillie · 11-26-2015, 10:58 PM

If you need 8x10s, in 2017 I will be going to the Star Wars Celebration, I can pick up a few if you still need em... Then you know they are legit

05-26-2015, 01:58 PM	#1
therorkstar Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 151	Buying autographs on eBay? I wasn't sure what forum this should be under, so mods, feel free to move it! I'm working on a Star Wars main cast 8x10 collection, 2 of which I got in person and one that I got via mail. I'm looking in to picking up Harrison Ford next, but I'm a little wary of the authenticity: Harrison Ford Star Wars Autograph 8x10 Photo \| eBay From the seller: No COA. Was acquired from a dealer. Thanks! I guess there's a small chance like everything else. But even ones with COA's there's still a small chance that it couldn't be real. Even the biggest companies have put out fakes. The dealer that I get items from is out of California. There just independent not a company they go to signings shows premieres stuff like that. Thanks!! The photo for auction: Compared to the Masterwork set: What's everyone's opinion? It's a low enough bid that if it's fake, I guess it's not a huge loss, but still sketchy. __________________ Looking for: Kat Dennings, Chris Hemsworth, Marvel autos, wardrobes/relics, Big Bang Theory, Once Upon a Time, Darth Vader/Anakin Hockey: Landon Ferraro, Brett Lindros, Eric Lindros, Yzerman, Osgood, Lidstrom, 95-00 Red Wings era

05-26-2015, 02:04 PM	#2
Jackg1980 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 10,001 MadBreakers	Does not look good, have you compared them to other 8x10? __________________ Official Blowout 2010 Topp Magic Refractor Autograph set collector! Looking for Khalil Mack and Marvel Vibranium "I trade by common sense not book value" "No one makes me bleed my own blood"

05-26-2015, 02:07 PM	#3
jjsmallvillelvr Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Nixa Posts: 5,897	The 'H' doesnt have both bars and the 'F' is totally different. But sigs can change, guess it depends on how far apart they are. The basic letters dont usually change that much imo, but you never know. I wouldn't get it without a COA. __________________ My PC Cards: http://jordynescards.weebly.com Always collecting Alice in Wonderland Cards Also Smallville, Vampire Diaries, and anything Lost Girl Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Superman

05-26-2015, 02:17 PM	#6
robomole Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 1,547 babycitos	I'm the type that if I don't know it's real, then it'll always bug me every time I look at it. PSA/DNA while not perfect, is extremely trustworthy which is why their certified autos cost a premium. COA's are meaningless. I can print you one for that photo right now and it would just be a piece of paper. What I look for on uncertified eBay items is signing proof pictures. Now just like COA's anyone can take a picture of a celebrity and claim they got your item signed. Often you will see pictures of the celebrity signing a different photo and they call it "proof". What I consider proof is the celebrity signing the exact item and I can see that the signature correlates with the eBay item photos. Now I know sellers can't always nail the perfect proof picture, but if most of their items have the adequate proof, then I'm willing to give the rest of their items the benefit of the doubt. Most signed items on ebay are fake and you have to be extremely careful. Just look at this for example. Avengers Age of Ultron Cast Signed VIP Movie Poster Hulk Iron Man Thor Comic CGC \| eBay Seller is gonna make a killing. And while he has a pretty COA and stickers. To my eyes it is clearly fake. Autos look signed by the same person across the board. It's too perfect. Yet people are gonna pay for it. Sad. EDIT: I looked at your sellers other items. Check out their signed photos for Kate Upton and Kate Beckinsale. The "K" is written exactly the same in both instances. Either the 2 write their K's remarkably similar, or they were all signed by the same person. Last edited by robomole; 05-26-2015 at 02:22 PM.

05-26-2015, 02:28 PM	#9
therorkstar Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 151	I just found this site, pretty helpful in comparing his various in-person autographs: Harrison Ford...Real v.s. Fake - Autograph Magazine Live __________________ Looking for: Kat Dennings, Chris Hemsworth, Marvel autos, wardrobes/relics, Big Bang Theory, Once Upon a Time, Darth Vader/Anakin Hockey: Landon Ferraro, Brett Lindros, Eric Lindros, Yzerman, Osgood, Lidstrom, 95-00 Red Wings era

05-26-2015, 02:09 PM	#4
SDcardguy24 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 9,262	could be rushed I guess but a lot of the sellers other items dont look good either imo If I was buying a Ford I'd probably just stick with one from Official Pix, PSA, or K9

05-26-2015, 02:37 PM	#10
jjsmallvillelvr Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Nixa Posts: 5,897	Lmao, if you are going to base your business on forgeries, at least be good at it. that auto just isnt really close to any of theM in that link. What a waste. People who do that suck. They make collecting so much harder filling the market with garbage. __________________ My PC Cards: http://jordynescards.weebly.com Always collecting Alice in Wonderland Cards Also Smallville, Vampire Diaries, and anything Lost Girl Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Superman

05-26-2015, 03:40 PM	#11
Spider-Fan Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 10,481	Yeah with autographed pictures verses cards it can be really tough to tell because the signing situation is so much different, even throughout the day. I know at a lot of these signing events in the morning things start off slow and everybody gets to say "hi" and maybe a hand shake, but as the day goes on and they need to push people through the line then everything just gets rushed.

05-26-2015, 05:31 PM	#12
rittdk01 Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,416	I sell autographs online from time to time, but almost never buy. The ones I sell I get from cons and include either a picture of me with the person or a pic of them signing. I can't buy without seeing the person signing, buying from a private signing or buying from a large company like creation. Too many fakes I would never enjoy it.

05-26-2015, 05:35 PM	#13
rittdk01 Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,416	^^^the studios for television shows give the actors promos to send out ttm. Normally have the name of the show, channel or studio and the actors name in a border. These I would trust too, especially if they r personalized.

05-26-2015, 10:04 PM	#14
gdelan1 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Evans, GA Posts: 9,181 soldier_79 gdelan1	If you are looking for a reputable seller on ebay, try this one barnhollow on eBay he has a contract with Celebrity Authentics (I emailed them to check it out since his prices are far below what they ask in their catalogs)

11-26-2015, 10:41 PM	#16
gdelan1 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Evans, GA Posts: 9,181 soldier_79 gdelan1	For example on the Barnhollow seller (Celebrity Authentics) : I just won a poster (of Conan) signed by Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Steven Lang, and Rose McGowan for $21.50. Momoa alone costs $50 at cons, I'm sure Nichols is similar. With shipping, it's still less than $40. A shitty movie, but good autographs none the less. Conan The Barbarian Cast Autographed 16x24 Conan The Barbarian Movie Photo CA \| eBay

11-26-2015, 10:58 PM	#17
Wolf8MeVillie Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 1,399	If you need 8x10s, in 2017 I will be going to the Star Wars Celebration, I can pick up a few if you still need em... Then you know they are legit