I'm torn on if this item is Authentic - has UpperDeck Hologram

cmd0518

See pictures attached. I found this item on craigslist from a gentleman who had about a dozen totally random items. He is selling his attorney's stuff, and I believe everything he's telling me, which was on the phone. The pics and holograms are UDA's 100%. The hologram that is on the glass case is usually found in one of UDA's folded cards. I've matched the autograph, the hologram style, how it's put on, etc etc.

Just one problem: UDA cannot authenticate it. Spoke to them on the phone.

My gut tells me is 1000% real. But UDA can't tell me that.

What do you think is the scoop here???

Stingray

Pics??

cmd0518

I uploaded but it won't post them, trying here!

digicat

Try using photobucket or some other free image hosting service.

cmd0518

http://tinypic.com/r/15po02p/8

http://tinypic.com/r/96kefn/8

Here you go, Larry Bird AUTO ball.

cmd0518

One more for good measure.

http://tinypic.com/r/nrvo7/8

bounce

it's good - i see the hologram on the ball on the "S" which is normally where it appears

it's also signed in gold, which is how they did those - i have one in my closet currently

go for it - no worries about that basketball at all

not sure why uda is saying they can't authenticate it unless they're just being lazy - if you give them the holo number from the ball (not from the case, not sure how that got there), they should be able to tell you

cmd0518

I know it's good, I cross-referenced the exact same type of auto on other bird balls on ebay, etc.

When I called UDA, I gave them a legit bird jersey that I have and then this ball; after a 5 minute wait, the gentleman came back and verified the jersey but that they could not verify the ball. I just don't understand how UDA can issue something like this and not be able to authenticate it when someone needs to.

What's the point of authentication if the authenticator can't confirm their own stuff?!

cmd0518

Also, the hologram from the case MATCHES the ball, they are the same number; gentleman does not have the UDA card, which is where the square UDA hologram would have appeared.

bounce

i don't know that i would worry about it - UDA is a mess

you could always send them pictures of the hologram and the signature, try to get them to reissue the certificate

offer something that takes all this hassle into account

i'd bet pretty strong money that PSA/DNA would sticker that ball without much more than a glance - all the key stuff is there

cmd0518

Does anyone know of an Upper Deck Rep on these forums, or any other forums, that would assist with something like this? It seems joe-schmoe on the general customer service line isn't of much help. I would love for piece of mind for UDA to confirm this is their. I'll probably move on getting this item, if at the right price, but it's still something that I would want to get confirmation on....

yankeeno7

For what ever reason, when UDA was put to bed, so did everything about their UDA items including verifying UDA certs. It's a pain in the butt. There is no way to verify those items anymore.

Dboneesq

HERE YOU GO:

handyman

Have the attorney/owner write a guarantee letter for the items if they are legit and incase they turn up not legit.
Curious what the response would be.

bounce

<< <i>Does anyone know of an Upper Deck Rep on these forums, or any other forums, that would assist with something like this? It seems joe-schmoe on the general customer service line isn't of much help. I would love for piece of mind for UDA to confirm this is their. I'll probably move on getting this item, if at the right price, but it's still something that I would want to get confirmation on.... >>



how about i'll give you $75 bucks for it - how's that?

these usually sell $150-175 with all the paperwork, which is still pretty cheap if you ask me considering these are the authentic NBA basketballs.

not really sure what your'e stressing over, who cares what UDA says at this point? or you're just worried about resale? anyone who knows anything about these things knows it's good regardless of what the UDA office manager proclaims.

cmd0518

Thanks for postings pictures.

It's probably 90% piece of mind and 10% resale. This is for my collection to display and admire. Just don't understand how a legit item can't be confirmed from the entity who issued it. That's what's bothering me I guess. Everyone here think this is 100% legit?

I'm sure all of us here who purchased auto coa items buy it with a coa for a reason. Piece of mind.

bounce

i did a ton of in person autograph seeking and have done the shows for years - at this point, i could care less about COA's unless it's something really specific (like Walter Payton or other early UDA stuff like Mantle, etc.)

i guess i'm more comfortable with this than others because i have one myself and have tracked these on ebay for years

ultimately in autographs, if you do your homework and research and know what you're doing, you really don't need the certs

UDA and PSA obviously help for resale, but that's not where the deals are usually

anyway, good luck with it and my $75 offer stands

cmd0518

Haha, thanks. You think an $85 offer plus shipping/paypal fees is fair for a ball UDA can't authenticate? I'm using that as my leverage lol.

bounce

i think if you can get a UDA bird and case for the prior retail value of an authentic NBA game ball from the 90s, you've done pretty darn good

i'll take my chances with that EVERY SINGLE DAY