JSA Authentication

craig44

I was recently out in Cooperstown and with all the signings taking place James Spence himself was set up providing authentication services. He was in the back of the small card show on Main Street and I looked on for awhile. I noticed that although there were no long lines, James was quickly looking things over to the tune of approx 10 seconds per piece. These were not pieces signed in Cooperstown but previously done. He had plenty of time to look over each piece but instead quickly looked and wrote the authentication. Is this standard? It does give one pause when purchasing authenticated pieces.

alifaxwa2

Write your name and stare at it for 10 seconds. that time is longer than it seems.

I bet that time is normal for stuff that is signed normal to the persons signature style and mainstream names. I would hope he was looking longer at the item that are on the fence, more expensive and more commonly forged.

Dnice

James is the best in the business. That's his job. I've met him at some shows. My friend use to work for JSA and on multiple occasions, I have sent a picture text to my friend and he sends it to James for me and James usually replies back within minutes. He actually saved me some money on a Michael Jackson auto once even.

LarkinCollector

For autos I'm familiar with, I can spot fakes in well under 10 seconds from a tiny eBay preview pic on my phone while scrolling through new listings. I'm sure Spence has a lot more autos in that category than I do and is seeing them full-size in-hand

lawnmowerman

<< <i>For autos I'm familiar with, I can spot fakes in well under 10 seconds from a tiny eBay preview pic on my phone while scrolling through new listings. I'm sure Spence has a lot more autos in that category than I do and is seeing them full-size in-hand >>



I agree. When you're good at your job, it doesn't take long to do it.

Bill82

<< <i>

<< <i>For autos I'm familiar with, I can spot fakes in well under 10 seconds from a tiny eBay preview pic on my phone while scrolling through new listings. I'm sure Spence has a lot more autos in that category than I do and is seeing them full-size in-hand >>



I agree. When you're good at your job, it doesn't take long to do it. >>




Unless the fl. sun is beating down on ya at about 110!

cincyredlegs

Sometimes a simple google search will provide you with valuable information. It's astounding on what you will find.

BTW, I wouldn't touch a vintage auto unless I got it in person no matter who authenticated it.

Mark

SultanOfSwat

<< <i>Sometimes a simple google search will provide you with valuable information. It's astounding on what you will find.

BTW, I wouldn't touch a vintage auto unless I got it in person no matter who authenticated it.

Mark >>




They have all made mistakes. No matter what autograph you're going after, or who certified it, it's best to know what an authentic example looks like before you jump. Education is everything with autographs. Your not wanting to touch a vintage signature only leaves you missing out on some neat stuff, in my opinion.

cincyredlegs

<< <i>

<< <i>Sometimes a simple google search will provide you with valuable information. It's astounding on what you will find.

BTW, I wouldn't touch a vintage auto unless I got it in person no matter who authenticated it.

Mark >>




They have all made mistakes. No matter what autograph you're going after, or who certified it, it's best to know what an authentic example looks like before you jump. Education is everything with autographs. Your not wanting to touch a vintage signature only leaves you missing out on some neat stuff, in my opinion. >>



I agree you have to do your homework first on a signature. There is just way to many fakes out there, whether raw or "authenticated" for my taste. To many people are OK with "well it has to be good if it is in a piece of plastic". Heck, there are instances where someone will authenticate a signature then re-look at it and will say it's a fake or vise versa. I am not knocking collecting auto's, but as you said, you better do your homework.

Mark

SultanOfSwat

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>Sometimes a simple google search will provide you with valuable information. It's astounding on what you will find.

BTW, I wouldn't touch a vintage auto unless I got it in person no matter who authenticated it.

Mark >>




They have all made mistakes. No matter what autograph you're going after, or who certified it, it's best to know what an authentic example looks like before you jump. Education is everything with autographs. Your not wanting to touch a vintage signature only leaves you missing out on some neat stuff, in my opinion. >>



I agree you have to do your homework first on a signature. There is just way to many fakes out there, whether raw or "authenticated" for my taste. To many people are OK with "well it has to be good if it is in a piece of plastic". Heck, there are instances where someone will authenticate a signature then re-look at it and will say it's a fake or vise versa. I am not knocking collecting auto's, but as you said, you better do your homework.

Mark >>



Mark, you are right. So many look no further than a label inside of piece of plastic or a COA/LOA.

craig44

I think I was really surprised at the casual nature that he used with the items. I watched him numerous times inspect multi signed balls or team balls. He just rolled them around in his hand and said it's good. Keep in mind there were no long lines. He had plenty of time to take his time. I guess it was just enlightening and surprising how lax the whole process seemed

SultanOfSwat

<< <i>I think I was really surprised at the casual nature that he used with the items. I watched him numerous times inspect multi signed balls or team balls. He just rolled them around in his hand and said it's good. Keep in mind there were no long lines. He had plenty of time to take his time. I guess it was just enlightening and surprising how lax the whole process seemed >>



Contrary to what many think, it's quite a quick process on most signatures. That's how all of the authenticators can push so much material through. The same with grading cards.