|
 Breaking News:
- January 23, 2010
-
- RR
Auction/John Reznikoff
- When The Good of the Hobby
- Needs to Come Before the Almighty Dollar
This duo, the RR Auction/Reznikoff
gang is at it again.
-
- We have heard from several knowledgeable collectors
and dealers complaining about the authenticity of items in the
RR Auctions February 2010 sale from presidential signed items
to sports celebrities signatures. We will focus on just one item
in this story since the item is so well documented.
It is a shame, even a disgrace, that some people still try to
authenticate presidential autographs when they have failed at
it so often and so miserably in the past. The latest Reznikoff/RR
Auction mistake has been brought to our attention by a handful
of collectors and dealers. It is the Lyndon B. Johnson The White
House card in the current RR Auction, item #79.
We know for a fact that Bob Eaton and some of his staff at RR
Auctions have been notified early in the last week of January
in writing that this Johnson signature is NOT genuine. RR Auctions
has NOT responded to any of the emails from collectors and dealers
and several days later, as of Feb. 1, the item is still listed
for sale. This item has 12 bids and is now at $1,433.00.
The sale is over on February 10th.
-
Item #79, February 2010, RR Auction
- being sold as genuine yet bearing a non-authentic
- signature of Lyndon B. Johnson
-
- In the past, with the information available at
the time, the signature on this card was believed to be genuine
by two people; Mike Minor who owned the card and Charles Hamilton.
Minor believed that of all of the similar LBJ cards that have
turned up, his was the only known genuine example.
Mike Minor was called by autograph expert Stephen Koschal, and
Minor was told the signature of LBJ was not genuine. Koschal
walked Minor letter by letter through this signature explaining
in detail why he believed the signature was NOT genuine and Minor
agreed. Minor stated that in an upcoming new printing of his
book From The President's Pen, he would make the correction
about this LBJ card.
In the very popular autograph reference book, The History
of Collecting Executive Mansion, White House and The White House
cards Signed by the Presidents and their First Ladies by
Stephen Koschal and Lynne Keyes, the authors illustrate and devote
a full page to this exact card. Koschal also made front page
news about this same card in the journal of the International
Autograph Collectors Club and Dealers Alliance, Vol.#5, No.4,
July/August 2001.
-
- Most importantly, most educated collectors and
dealers are well aware the incompetency of most third party authenticating
companies. Does it surprise anyone that Bob Eaton of RR Auctions
and John Reznikoff of University Archives are part of the authenticating
team of both PSA/DNA and JSA, James Spence Authentication?
There are ten more days before this auction ends and many are
watching to see if the almighty dollar trumps selling genuine
autographs with this auction house.
- Breaking News:
- January 23, 2010
-
- Roger
Epperson Attempts To
- Hamper
Haitian Relief Fund
It is estimated nearly 100,
000 or more Haitian people could have perished during the earthquake
that devastated Port au Prince and the surrounding area. Relief
is coming from all ends of the earth. Many of those around the
world who have little are sending what they can to help the survivors.
Steve Koschal, a hobby veteran for over 40 years came up with
the idea to bring the entire autograph community together and
do what they can through donations to help those who have survived
in Haiti.
Unfortunately our hobby has one very sick and twisted individual
who has posted comments on his website stating horrible things
one being: "..if they think the money will be going to aid
in the effort for Haiti, they are indeed morons…."
That person is Roger Epperson! Roger Epperson who has admitted
in writing that he bought autographed items from two different
forgers. Roger Epperson was not able to tell the signatures were
forged and resold them over the years.
We must bear in mind Roger Epperson is the individual who has
sent emails to collectors calling them "idiots" and
in others he has called them "morons" and recently
said "…stupid dumb ass, I hope you die a painful death
in the New Year…" Let’s not forget his recent
email to a collector stating: "…prostate cancer would
be perfect for you…." www.autographalert.com has copies
of all these emails Roger Epperson has sent to collectors.
Roger Epperson claims he can authenticate autographs. It has
been proven over and over again this weirdo has no clue what
he is doing. He won’t respond to questions about how he
has recently failed autograph items he has sold in the past.
He won’t respond to questions about all the items in auctions
that have been pulled as NOT authentic that came with Epperson’s
certificates of authenticity. He won’t respond to questions
about how he authenticated record albums that were signed by
persons who have been dead over 20 years before the albums were
produced.
Bottom line is how sick can anyone be to tell those who read
his website not to donate to the Haitian Relief Fund? Would you
believe this dimwit has a following of three?
We are witnessing Epperson’s Last Stand. He’s on his
hill spewing his venom at the autograph community. Epperson with
his destructive personality is hanging onto his "white hat"
which has been shot full of holes. Left standing with him are
only three of his supporters. Steve Cyrkin of Autograph magazine,
Epperson is one of the last of his full page advertisers. Cyrkin
is the fellow who was so foolish to put racist/anti-semitic statements
in writing against another member of the autograph community.
Cyrkin put in writing that he stake’s his "reputation"
on Epperson. The same Cyrkin who claims he has pulled all the
bad forged items from his inventory and to date his autograph
website has been shut down for nearly a year. The same Cyrkin
that talks about professional journalism yet without question
he wrote the most embarrassing story of the last decade on rock
and roll autographs. The same Cyrkin that lists peoples addresses
in his magazine that have been dead for a year and tells his
readers it may take awhile to get a response for their autograph
requests.
Standing with Epperson and Cyrkin is James Spence. Anyone with
a pulse in the autograph hobby is well aware about this fellows
lack of authenticating skills. It’s all documented. We won’t
waste anymore ink on this fellow.
And last we have RR Auctions who still uses Epperson after all
the problems they have had with his authentications. One dealer
refers to RR Auctions rock and roll music section as "the
pulled for further review section." Several people in this
industry believe the reason why RR Auction still uses Epperson
is because of the almighty dollar. It certainly cannot be because
they believe Epperson can accurately authenticate autographs.
It wasn’t long ago that Bob Eaton of RR Auctions stated
to a dealer "Epperson is nuts." Many believe Epperson
is authenticating his own material and consigning the items to
RR Auction. We followed this thought and emailed RR Auction.
It doesn’t surprise us to find that RR Auction now needs
a Public Relations person so we emailed them and also Bob Eaton
owner of RR Auctions. We advised them both that we were writing
a story about Epperson and simply requested some information
about items that may have been consigned to them during 2009
by Epperson. The failure of RR Auctions Public Relations person
and owner Bob Eaton to respond basically answers all of our questions.
Epperson’s website clearly shows he has a hatred for many
people in the autograph hobby but why pick on the poor Haitian
people who desperately need our help?
So the four is what appears to be left at Epperson’s Last
Stand, surrounded by the thousands of members of the International
Autograph Community. More proof that water seeks its own level.
- Breaking News:
- January 17, 2010
-
- Roger
Epperson The Self Proclaimed Rock & Roll
Autograph Authenticator????????
Roger Epperson of Signed
Sealed and Delivered also goes under the name "REAL".
Epperson has recently turned down as not authentic many hand
signed autographs from The # 1 in-person Autograph Dealer &
Collector " Michael Wehrmann". These autographs deemed
not to be authentic by so called autograph authenticator Epperson
include Neil Young, Sting, Keith Richards, Little Richard and
Cher.
Michael Frost of P.A.A.S. an industry respected professional
Rock and Roll authenticator has told Autograph Alert that he
has re examined these and many other of Epperson's blunders and
P.A.A.S. has found these signatures to be 100% authentic. P.A.A.S
has been getting an unbelievable amount of Roger Epperson Letters
of Authenticity's and Epperson Autographs, from concerned collectors,
for reexamination since all of the disturbing news that has come
out and exposed Epperson.
Epperson appears to have gone so insane pulling many questionable
items off his website yet continuing to sell and consign to auction
his own signed Rock & Roll autographs. Of course he has authenticated
his own items (conflict of interest) however many of Epperson’s
items have now been determined to be not authentic. One New England
auction house in particular has been removing Epperson’s
authenticated items from their sales fairly regularly. Worse,
Epperson using his authenticating service has begun to turn down
autographs that are offered by some of the most respected names
in the industry.
How confused is Epperson? Here is a quote in Epperson's own words
about Michael Wehrmann. "He has broken down some of the
toughest signers in the business. As a collector I admire him,
as a business man he is very stubborn, as to selling only items
that are 100% authentic, EVERYTIME I worship him.""
Roger Epperson.
- Breaking News:
- January 13, 2010
-
- www.autographalert.com
Calls for Humanitarian Aide for Haiti
Most readers of www.autographalert.com may be unaware of the
connection this site has with the small impoverished country
of Haiti.
This country has been hit with a massive earthquake. Thousands
upon thousands have been killed and the capital city lies in
ruins.
The people of Haiti are in desperate need of humanitarian aide.
One of the co-founders of this site is Stephen Koschal. Steve
has been to Haiti over 30 times working with the people and government
of Haiti. Because of Steve’s contacts in Washington during
one of his visits to Port-Au-Prince, the government of Haiti
asked Steve to use his influence to promote a meeting with Haitian
officials and the U.S. Chairman of the Senate Appropriations
Committee who Steve knew well.
From past disasters (9/11) we have all learned that donating
to high profile associations doesn’t always work well. Portions
of the money go to administration with only a portion getting
to the scene of the disaster. Some of the donations were even
put aside for future disasters.
www.autographalert.com through Steve, has a relationship with
a Haitian Hospital and a school. This hospital was founded by
a Miami doctor in 2002. This is a nonprofit organization and
has NO administrative costs since all work is done on a voluntary
basis. During an average day they see between 30 and 50 patients
a day. For their school they supply about 260 meals a day consisting
of rice and beans. For some of the students it’s their only
meal. For $500 they have been able to purchase 15 sacks of rice
and 4 sacks of beans for a month’s supply.
What is needed more than anything else right now is medical supplies.
We know from all the emails we have received from our readers
over the last five years that they have a big heart. Now is the
time to open your hearts and donate money to help those in desperate
need in Haiti. Any amount, even a dollar is needed and will be
very much appreciated. Every dollar received will be given directly
to the Haitian Hospital.
Cash, checks, money orders are gladly accepted and appreciated.
They can be made out and sent to: Stephen Koschal, PO. Box
311061, Miami, FL 33231 USA. Mark on your payment "Haitian
Relief Fund".
Donations can also be made by PayPal to the account: skoschal@aol.com
If you are unable to send a donation, please pray for the people
of Haiti
- Breaking News:
- January 13, 2010
-
- UACC Needs to Answer Some Questions
It certainly
seems like many autograph collectors are furious. Members of
the UACC want to know what they got for their whopping $35.00
annual dues paid in 2009.
Where is the March/April 2009 issue of the Pen & Quill, the
club’s bimonthly journal?
Where is the May/June issue of the Pen & Quill?
Where is the July/August issue of the Pen & Quill?
Well, what a surprise it was when an issue titled "Fall
2009" showed up with statements like "our loyal membership
is down" which doesn’t sound like they were loyal at
all. They just wanted what they paid for! In addition, the journal
stated that they couldn’t hold up to a publishing schedule……Why?
Remember all the positive things they said were coming with the
new editor?
But now they say they are back on track. Did anyone receive a
November/December 2009 issue, or what they may now prefer to
call a Winter 2009 issue?
They say the panic is over. Who was panicking besides the officers
at the UACC? What was the panic about? They state that belt tightening
is just beginning. Belt tightening at whose expense? Does this
mean it can possibly get worse? The membership fee stays the
same and now they tell their members that they are going
to cut back to four issues of the Pen & Quill a year
instead of the usual six.
They are calling for a improved format for the magazine. Didn’t
we hear that more than once before? Was the format better during
the last several issues or did members find the journal quite
difficult to read?
Many would like to have about three quarters of their 2009
membership fee refunded! After all, the club told potential
members that they would receive six issues of the Pen & Quill
for their $35.00 membership fee, $50.00 foreign.
Others ask, where did all this membership and advertising money
go? The UACC saved thousands upon thousands of dollars
during 2009 for not publishing 4 journals. Can anyone imagine
what that figure might be especially if we add the savings in
mailing costs for both the US and foreign areas. Has anyone seen
a financial report? Where did the dues money go?
Are members furious? Here’s a sample email we received from
a UACC member this week.
"….I got my renewal form for the UACC yesterday and
threw it in the trash. I think with my last year of membership
I got one copy of the Pen & Quill. I had been renewing just
to see what happened, but I don’t see the purpose anymore.
I don’t see how anyone else would renew at this point…"
Amen!
- Breaking News:
- January 11, 2010
-
- For Immediate Release
- American
Royal Arts Announces New Company Direction
Boca Raton, FL, January 7,
2010 – During the 24 years that American Royal Arts has
been serving the collector community, the company has represented
some of the most important studios and individuals in the entertainment
industry, including Apple Corp., Warner Bros., MGM/Rocky, DreamWorks,
HBO Animation, Fox Studios, King Features Elvis Presley Enterprises,
Frank Sinatra Enterprises, MirrorPix and Hulton Archive Photography
collections, among others.
"It has only been during the last few years that the company
diversified into secondary market rock and roll memorabilia,"
said American Royal Arts President Jerry Gladstone. "Our
primary focus going forward is to no longer deal with secondary
market vendors and to focus our energies on dealing with licensed
product directly from studios, celebrities and their agents."
American Royal Arts has recently completed in-person signings
with Muhammad Ali, Grace Slick and Brian Wilson, as well as Tiger
Woods and Michael Jordan through Upper Deck. Additional signings
are scheduled in the near future.
ARA came to this decision based upon several factors, including
the apparently doctored photographs the company received from
one of its vendors that were used in its marketing efforts.
"We are sincerely disheartened by this situation and have
filed a lawsuit against Gallery of Dreams, the vendor who supplied
ARA with the photos," Gladstone said. "In addition,
we have put new safety measures in place to ensure that nothing
like this ever happens again."
- Breaking News:
- January 4, 2010
-
- www.autographalert.com
Announces
- The
Creation Of Two Annual Awards
www.autographalert.com is
proud to announce the establishment of two awards that will be
issued annually.
One will be to the individual, autograph dealer, trade magazine,
autograph authenticator or autograph organization who our readers
feel has done the most for our hobby over the last year or so.
The other award will be to the individual, autograph dealer,
trade magazine, autograph authenticator or organization who fell
short, and needs improvement in order to make this hobby a better
place. Or maybe better yet, that they just leave the hobby.
These awards are very important for this autograph hobby/business.
There is no club or magazine in the autograph field that has
anywhere near the volume of readers this site has. As a matter
of fact, the month of December 2009 broke every monthly record
of visitors since this site’s inception. The amount of collectors
on an international level logging onto this site monthly is more
than the membership of all the autograph clubs and subscribers
to the industry’s magazine combined.
-
-
| Summary by Month |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month |
Daily
Avg |
Monthly
Totals |
| Hits |
Files |
Pages |
Visits |
Sites |
KBytes |
Visits |
Pages |
Files |
Hits |
| Dec
2009 |
10147 |
8390 |
749 |
410 |
6284 |
9118184 |
12740 |
23229 |
260110 |
314578 |
| Nov
2009 |
4651 |
3781 |
1852 |
348 |
5047 |
3356078 |
10468 |
55575 |
113454 |
139544 |
| Oct
2009 |
3750 |
2977 |
1438 |
325 |
4424 |
3119928 |
10086 |
44587 |
92303 |
116262 |
| Sep
2009 |
4132 |
3221 |
510 |
245 |
3626 |
4358769 |
7371 |
15303 |
96653 |
123962 |
| Aug
2009 |
4628 |
3622 |
550 |
273 |
4167 |
4995060 |
8482 |
17060 |
112301 |
143472 |
| Jul
2009 |
4853 |
3726 |
539 |
279 |
4320 |
4974066 |
8670 |
16733 |
115516 |
150450 |
| Jun
2009 |
4848 |
3750 |
635 |
288 |
4337 |
4639957 |
8656 |
19050 |
112529 |
145440 |
| May
2009 |
4392 |
3397 |
448 |
257 |
4484 |
4010961 |
7975 |
13909 |
105329 |
136153 |
| Apr
2009 |
3060 |
2388 |
521 |
269 |
3905 |
2207826 |
8075 |
15652 |
71656 |
91828 |
| Mar
2009 |
3708 |
2955 |
589 |
349 |
6846 |
2716990 |
10829 |
18268 |
91613 |
114970 |
| Feb
2009 |
1994 |
1609 |
374 |
188 |
3028 |
1353363 |
5281 |
10481 |
45064 |
55845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
45187972 |
99052 |
250756 |
1226471 |
1544692 |
Statistics/Visits From Feb - Dec
2009
-
- Most importantly is that we want to hear from all
of our readers. We would be delighted to hear who you think should
win these awards.
Please send your email to: autographalert@aol.com
along with the two names of your choice for these awards. Don’t
forget to add the State or Country where you live.
Thank You!
The Management Team.
- Breaking News:
- December 29, 2009
-
-
- U.A.C.C.
Members Hit With Lawsuit
- Results
Starting To Come In!
www.autographalert.com was
notified awhile back by California photographer Barry Rosen that
he found this website very interesting. He follows with: "….I
thought you might be interested to know that I have recently
filed a lawsuit against the UACC and quite a number of its Registered
Dealers/members. They include:
- Gallery of History
- R&R Enterprises/ Bob Eaton
- Autograph World, LLC/ JD Bardwell/ Bob Jones
- A.A.C.S. Autographs/ Anthony Roberts
- PJ’s Collectibles/ Paul Cross
- Great Lakes Autographs/ Rick & Gayle Herring
- P&P Autographs/ Jim Puleo
- Autograph Pros/ Michael Kasmar
- Ed Bedrick
- USTAR.net/ Robert and Ester Miller
- JG Autographs/ Jared Gendron
- California Hotshots/ Michael Tam
- Autograph Cards/ Cliff Yow…………"
-
- Rosen adds in a second email: "…..the
basis of my lawsuit has to do with the fact that I am a photographer
and have photographed numerous celebrities. Quite a number of
unauthorized photographic prints of my photos (aka copyright
infringements) have been posted on various websites by UACC members/dealers.
The specific reason the UACC is now involved in a lawsuit, is
that copyright infringements occurred on the UACC Auctions website.
It should be noted that one of the principal infringers on the
website was "Autograph World/ Bardwell/Jones."
www.autographalert.com has just been notified by Barry Rosen
that the judge has recently entered a judgment against Ed Bedrick
(former UACC Regional Director) for four hundred thousand dollars
for willful copyright infringement.
Rosen continues with excellent words of wisdom to all of our
readers: "My hope is that this will now send a strong message
to the entire community of people (UACC, etc.) selling autographed
photos that they have an affirmative obligation under the law
to make certain that they know that the photos they are offering
for sale are in fact authorized and can be verified/documented
before they can offer them for sale or post them on the web in
any way)…"
-
- Breaking News:
- December 25, 2009
-
- Roger
Epperson of Signed, Sealed, Delivered
- Has He Lost His Mind? You Decide!
The White Hat boys are
at it again. You probably will never forget the horrific racist
remarks made by Steve Cyrkin of Autograph magazine. His remark
turned the international autograph community upside down. Many
have found Cyrkin’s remarks very painful and have let him
know in more ways than one. Cyrkin’s White Hat gang consists
of just a handful of members and another one of his chosen few
(of course a full page advertiser) went off the deep end recently.
A serious autograph collector, well aware of Epperson’s
incompetence with regard to authenticating rock & roll autographs,
notified Epperson of a story on www.autograph alert.com (from
December 12, 2009) which the heading of the story is listed below.
- ----Original Message-----
From: Raiderman
Sent: Dec 12, 2009 9:46 PM
To: rogerssd@ix.netcom.com
Subject: GOOD job ROGER!!!!
Roger Epperson’s (REAL) Mis-Authentication
Continue To Be Offered At R & R Auctions
Epperson responded 12 days later with the email directly below.
Epperson also listed in this email a link to a website which
made no sense to us therefore we eliminated the link.
- From: rogerssd@ix.netcom.com
Date: December 24, 2009 1:06:01 PM EST
To: Raiderman <raiderman_16@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD job ROGER!!!!
Reply-To: rogerssd@ix.netcom.com
click on this you stupid dumbass! i hope you die a slow painful
death in the new year.
-
- Another horrible message from a Cyrkin White Hat
Gang member.
Many of us on Christmas Eve are thinking about loving our neighbor,
forgiveness and attending a religious service this evening. The
above are Epperson's wishes for a fellow member of the autograph
community.
-
- Just when we thought we seen it all with the above
Raiderman writes Epperson again asking him how he can authenticate
as genuine modern record albums signed by musicians who were
dead 22 years beore the album was produced.
Of course Epperson refuses to specificaly answer the embarrassing
question. The following is Epperson's response, the spelling
is also his:
-
- From: rogerssd@ix.netcom.com
Date: December 24, 2009 3:02:48 PM EST
To: "Cori Raiderman" <raiderman_16@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD job ROGER!!!!
Reply-To: rogerssd@ix.netcom.com
-
- Slow and painful you idoit
Another stupid acusation
Happy new year dipshit
I prove you and them wrong one time after another
Prostate cancer would be perfect for you
-
- Wow! There really is nothing more powerful than
the truth...
- Breaking News:
- December 24, 2009
-
- Topps
Presidential Card a Horrific Disaster
- Mutilation of Andrew Jackson Signature Outrageous
With all the educational
information available to autograph collectors, dealers and even
card companies is appears that much more is needed. Great sources
for educational information are autograph organization magazines,
old issues of magazines on autograph collecting and websites
such as www.autographalert.com.
Staying friendly with a handful of professional autograph dealers
is probably the best source of information. The reason for this
is that they are up on current autograph affairs.
Brought to our attention was a horrific example of the apparent
destruction of a historical autograph in order to produce a trading
card.
Also troubling is that nine different bidders placed 17 bids
for an signature basically destroyed so it would fit on a trading
card. Proof that there are many still in need of an autograph
education. We refer to eBay item #230357802406.
Anyone even slightly familiar with the signature of Andrew Jackson
knows that he signed his name straight across on one line. See
example below.
- Typical signature of Andrew Jackson
-
- Illustrated below is a Topps American Heritage
Andrew Jackson cut signature. The description of "cut signature"
now can take on a new meaning to those in the autograph industry.
A cut signature was always one removed from a document or letter,
complete in itself as was originally signed.
The signature used for the Topps card was not only cut in half
and the last name attached to the bottom of the first name but
the end of both names are trimmed so it can be used on the card.
See for yourself in the illustration below.
- Mutilated & Basically Destroyed Signature
of Andrew Jackson
-
- Treating original historical signatures in this
manner is malapropos and totally unacceptable. What could be
even worse is we are not aware of the original source of this
signature. Was this signature removed from a historical document
or letter? Could an unethical dealer who supplies Topps with
these presidential signatures have cut and trimmed the signature
to fit Topps specification to fit on the card?
Interesting is that the final bid for this butchered signature
was $609 and that bid didn’t even meet the reserve. Potential
collectors with a little more knowledge of the hobby will find
they could obtain a near perfect signature of Jackson in the
$500 range.
What is evident is the continued need to educate the autograph
community. Apparently there are still many out there that have
no clue as to how to treat a historical document.
- Breaking News:
- December 23, 2009
-
- Roger
Epperson Wrong Again and Again….
Roger Epperson who claims
he can authenticate rock and roll autographs proves once again
he does not know what he is talking about.
Epperson sent an email to a collector/autograph dealer on October
14, 2009 at 08:58:49 A.M. Subject: Kiss
We quote directly from the email.
"This Kiss photo on your PAAS site is a forgery. It was
done by the son of Glenn Danzig of the bad Danzig. I discovered
these forgeries about 2 years ago and the source. This has been
common knowledge around dealers of music autographs since then.
They are good forgeries and fooled may at first. I just figured
since you are so good at what you do you would have figured this
out too. I have about 10 examples in my hands I can send you
if you like. I don’t mean copies I mean the real thing,
on albums and photos. OOOOOOOOooooooppppps
Roger Epperson."
- The collector/dealer well aware of Epperson’s
incompetence regarding authenticating musical autographs emailed
the personal manager or Mr. Glenn Danzig. Portion of the email
stated: "he (Epperson) is stating that Glenn Danzig son
is selling forged Kiss memorabilia. I was wondering if this is
a known fact or if this could just be a made up story on the
part of Roger Epperson. Roger Epperson has already published
this on his website….."
The personal manager responded with an email dated October 20,
2009, 08:13:05 P.M.
In part: "I am the personal manager representing Mr. Glenn
Danzig, he has nothing to do with this matter you are stating
below, nor does he even have a son….."
NOR DOES HE EVEN HAVE A SON!
Simply another Epperson
folly. Epperson in his email copied John Reznikoff of University
Archives and Steve Cyrkin of Autograph magazine. So both of these
individuals are aware of Epperson’s lack of knowledge on
this subject.
Reznikoff just a few days ago told the collector/dealer "he
does not really know Epperson or anything about him." Appears
some of Epperson’s long time friends and associates (Epperson
& Reznikoff both work for the same autograph authenticating
company, they also attended the same autograph shows) are distancing
themselves from Roger Epperson of Signed, Sealed and Delivered
and REAL.
Roger Epperson sells signed Rock n Roll memorabilia under the
name Signed, Sealed and Delivered. He also runs the music autograph
authenticating service REAL.
- Breaking News:
- December 20, 2009
-
- JSA
(Follow the Leader) James Spence Autograph Authenticating
Passes Yaz Forgery And Defaces the Baseball
When an individual collector
specializes in a specific celebrity, most anyone will agree,
that collector knows more about that celebrity’s signature
than any one of the self proclaimed autograph authenticating
companies.
We received the following email from one of the followers of
this site:
-
- Subj: A JSA Joke
Date: 12/19/2009 2:29:50 PM
From: tony.lando@gmail.com
To: autographalert@aol.com
"Love your site. Check this out. (eBay item # 130352377738)
One of the worst Yaz forgeries on eBay and it comes with a nice
JSA sticker at no extra charge:
I have been studying Yaz signatures for over 30 years and I have
never seen him make the loop of the "Y" with the "L"
in Carl. His signature has changed over the years, but mostly,
it has just gotten more efficient (smaller)…..Since there
are no bids on it, I can only conclude that the consumer in this
case, is more educated than the authenticator!"
Keep up the great work.
Tony Lando
-
|
James Spence affixed his numbered
logo sticker to the forged Yaz baseball (above) with a matching
generic certificate of authentication (right)
|
 |
-
-
- Good thing this is a forgery. Can anyone imagine,
still, at this late date that someone is still placing these
dumb authenticating stickers to original items. These stickers
will eventually leave a mark on these balls which will devalue
of the ball but only in the case where these authenticators get
there guess right.
Number one rule of thumb in the collecting business: Never affix
a foreign matter to an original item of historical importance.
This includes historical documents, maps, original collectibles,
coins, stamps, autographs, etc. A professional would never deface
a historical piece by putting their official business logo on
it. It defaces the piece and irrevocably alters its historical
significance and value.
- Breaking News:
- December 17, 2009
-
-
Roger Epperson COA's No
Longer Accepted by the IADA-CC
- Sent: 12/12/2009 05:36:37 P.M. Eastern Standard
Time
Subj: Roger Epperson \"COA's" No Longer Accepted by
the IADA-CC
-
- After a two month extensive investigation
by the IADA-CC Ethics Board and membership of the IADA-CC, we
feel that in our opinion and for the safety of the autograph
community that Roger Epperson Certificates of Authenticity will
no longer be honored by The International Autograph Dealer Alliance
and The International Autograph Collectors Club.
-
- Roger Epperson and Signed, Sealed &
Delivered have been removed from the IADA-CC dealers directory.
-
- Some of the Certificates of Authenticity
are shown below and there will be a follow up story with more
information about the allegations and reported fraud by Mr. Epperson
and his company Real - Roger Epperson Ltd.
-
- There are many Letters of Authenticity
certified and signed by Roger Epperson that have been issued
over the past years, that have been falsely authenticated and
in many cases never even examined by Roger Epperson !! If
you have signed items with a Letter of Authenticity from Roger
Epperson, it is highly recommended that you have these items
re-examined and authenticated by a qualified authentication company.
The IADA-CC will not be recommending any othe autograph authentication
companies due to any conflicts of interest.
-
- The IADA- CC once again apologies for
negative news, we do realize that we promised that there would
be NO negative story's or conflicts on the New IADA-CC website
, but we found this story shocking and important to the safety
of the autograph collecting Community.
-
- Please Note here are a small sample of
the "REAL! "- Roger Epperson Letters of Authenticity:
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
-
- Written by the IADA-CC Ethics Board.
- There will be a major update with more
information on this case shortly.
- Breaking News:
- December 12, 2009
-
- Roger Epperson’s (REAL) Mis-Authentication
- Continue To Be Offered At R & R Auctions
RR Auction #346, Lot # 791, June 2009, The Clash, four signatures
Pre-certified by Roger Epperson/Real along with the usual rubber
stamped COA by RR Auction. RR Auction sold this album for $520.00
An informed collector, apparently who has more knowledge about
rock and roll autographs than both Roger Epperson and RR Auction
stated: "I have multiple signatures from all the band members
in questions and this flat (album) looks to be as fake as the
proverbial three dollar bill yet fully authenticated."
The collector sent an email to RR Auction about this forged album
and here is their response.
"Thanks so much for your patience as I researched your concern
further. The Clash LP, item 791 in our current June 346 (2009)
auction came with good provenance and was approved by our authenticators.
It was originally sold by Sotheby’s Amazon in the UK. This
item was also reviewed and accepted as genuine by noted music
autograph specialist Roger Epperson. As such, we stand behind
this item with our life time money-back guarantee of authenticity.
Best regards, Tricia Eaton."
It took until September for Trish Eaton to write the following,
in part:"….I am writing in response to the recent post
regarding The Clash album we offered for sale in our June 2009
auction. Thanks to one of our astute and experienced customer’s
concerns, we researched the signatures further. After re-evaluating
the item, we finally came to the conclusion that the autographs
were indeed not authentic….."
The album contained four autographs all authenticated as genuine
by Roger Epperson. All four were determined found to be non authentic
by a collector.
How can anyone who would like to have the autograph industry
believe he is capable of authenticating autographs make four
mistakes on one item? This factual story speaks for itself and
Epperson’s authenticating abilities. To make matters even
worse, Epperson’s recent attempt to get involved authenticating
two signed books containing original art failed miserably.
Many feel it is an insult to the autograph community that Epperson
continues to be utilized as an authenticator by RR Auction.
It’s becoming quite evident from the evidence above and
another story on this website that if you have purchased any
rock & roll signed item that comes with an Epperson/Real
COA, you may want to have it reexamined by a professional.
- Breaking News:
- December 9, 2009
-
-
-
-
- Roger Epperson:
Does he pass and sell forgeries?
-
- On May 8,
2009, one of our associates contacted Roger Epperson. He wanted
to discuss some pieces that he had, and his desire to have Roger
Epperson certify them. He did not know Roger Epperson. Roger
Epperson did not know him. He did not use any references from
others. He just told Roger Epperson that he had heard he "was
the man" to go to. No more. No less. They were just two
complete strangers conducting business.
-
- He made up
a name that coincided with the last name of a friend's bank card.
All Roger Epperson really knew about him was that he could charge
that bank card for any reports he issued.
-
- During one
of their conversations, he told Roger Epperson that he had several
items that had certificates from Chris Morales. Epperson told
him that he could not comment on Morales' work, as he was going
to be a witness for the opposing side in a case involving Morales.
Subsequently, in spite of this, he said the Morales was "the
whore of the industry. He never fails anything. Just send him
a check and he sends you a cert." He also referred to Morales
as a "total incompetent" and said that he never bothers
to even examine anything with Morales' certificate, he just automatically
fails the piece.
-
- Ironically,
Roger Epperson then said that he would deny these statements
if the conversation was being taped. Although his words seem
harsh, a review of other postings on the internet indicate that
Roger Epperson has similar things to say about the vast majority
of the individuals who do authentication.
-
- Considering
the comments that Roger Epperson made, we decided to have one
of our associates contact Chris Morales and see if we could get
him to authenticate the pieces featured in this story. To see
if what Roger Epperson said was true or not, we told Chris Morales
that the pieces were part of a large collection. We indicated
that the owner had held a major position at a record company,
and that all of his items were signed in person. We told him
we wanted to send a few pieces at a time, and that there was
definitely more to come.
-
- A few days
after receiving the pieces mentioned in this story, our associate
contacted Chris Morales to see how the pieces were coming along.
He informed our associate that he had not issued the certificates
yet, but that all of the pieces had failed. Our associate expressed
his surprise and reiterated the original provenance. This did
not seem to sway Chris Morales.
-
- Our associate
asked him to provide detailed reports to support his findings,
which he did. We independently confirmed the information he gave
us, which became the basis for this story.
-
- After receiving
the reports, our associate contacted Chris Morales again, informing
him of the statements that Roger Epperson had made concerning
him, and told him that Roger Epperson had passed all of the pieces.
When given the chance to respond to Roger Epperson's remarks,
he declined, stating that he did not believe in engaging in the
type of conversation that seems so prevalent in this industry.
Instead, he said that he would let his reports and Roger Epperson's
reports stand on their own.
-
- The information
contained in this story certainly indicates that Roger Epperson
should not be the one throwing stones.
-
- Our associate
sent a number of items to Epperson, including a Lynyrd Skynyrd
One More From the Road album, a Sex Pistols Never Mind
the Bollocks album, The New York Dolls' In Too Much Too
Soon and New York Dolls album covers, Metallica's Kill
'Em All and Master of Puppets album covers, and Niggaz
With Attitude's N.W.A. and the Posse album cover.
-
- During the
authentication process, our associate exchanged emails and had
several phone conversations with Roger Epperson.
-
- All of the
listed albums passed and were certified by Roger Epperson. During
the conversations, Roger Epperson told him that "you can
sell these at any auction house in the world with my certificates."
-
- Unfortunately
for collectors, Roger Epperson's statement about his certificates
is accurate. In addition to his own business, Signed Sealed &
Delivered, he authenticates the musical memorabilia for both
James Spence Authentication (JSA) and PSA/DNA. Phone calls to
both companies confirmed this. Additionally, Roger Epperson is
a former PSA/DNA staff member and his name appears on a significant
number of PSA/DNA certificates. As a result, Roger Epperson's
work can be found, among other places, at:
-
- ABC Autographs
- Jim Pavlish
- lan Gutterman
- American Memorabilia
- B & E
Collectibles
- Broadway Rick's
Strike Zone
- Clean Sweep
Auctions EAC Gallery
- eBay
- Fusco Auctions
- Geppi's Memorabilia
Roadshow Auction
- Gotta Have
It
- Heritage Auctions
- Hollywood
Collectibles
- Huggins &
Scott Auctions
- Hunt Auctions
- Premier Auctions
Online
- Robert Edward
Auctions
- R&R Auction
- SCP Auctions
- Sotheby's
- Vintage Authentics
-
- The results
that our associate and others have gotten when they have employed
Roger Epperson's services certainly question why the auction
houses and any of the above-listed companies would use Roger
Epperson's services. It certainly seems to defy logic.
-
- Each of the
albums that were sent to Roger Epperson will be discussed separately.
-
- Lynyrd
Skynyrd:
-
- The Lynyrd
Skynyrd One More From the Road album was certified as
having been signed by Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Gary Rossington,
Ed King and Allen Collins.
-
- FRONT
COVER
-
- BACK
COVER
-
- INSIDE
COVER
-
- Interestingly
enough, examination of the album cover reveals not one, but two
signatures of Artimus Pyle. It gives the impression that someone
was practicing Pyle's signature. Why wasn't he mentioned on the
 certificate? Did Roger Epperson
miss the two signatures when he "examined" the album?
-
- Furthermore,
when he looked at his exemplars, what did he have that would
have indicated Leon Wilkeson actually spelled his name "Wilkenson",
as it appears to be on the album, and is printed on Roger Epperson's
cert?
-
- Roger Epperson
has stated, in writing, that "…what you do when determining
if an autograph is authentic or not, you compare them to known
exemplars. Usually between 12-25 known exemplars is sufficient
sometimes maybe less but never none at all..."
-
- Does this
mean that Roger Epperson has 12-15 Lynyrd Skynyrd exemplars with
Leon Wilkeson spelled Leon Wilkenson?
-
- Nevertheless,
Roger Epperson issued the report. He charged the bank card our
associate had given him.
-
-
-
-
-
- LYNYRD
SKYNYRD CERTIFICATE
-
-
- SEX PISTOLS:
-
- The two photos below are of
the Sex Pistols' Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols
album cover and the certificate from Roger Epperson. Epperson
passed it. Once again, he charged the bank card.
-
- There does not seem to be anything
unusual about the album. Its relevance will become more significant
shortly.
-
-
- FRONT COVER
-
- SEX PISTOLS CERTIFICATE
-
- NEW YORK DOLLS:
-
- Next up are the two New York
Dolls albums. As the below photos indicate, the last name in
Johnny Thunders’ signature on the In Too Much Too Soon
album cover is virtually invisible.
-
- FRONT COVER, TOO
MUCH TOO SOON
-
- JOHNNY THUNDERS SIGNATURE
ON TOO MUCH TOO SOON COVER
-
- TOO MUCH TOO SOON CERTIFICATE
-
- NEW YORK DOLLS DEBUT
ALBUM
-
- NEW YORK DOLLS DEBUT
ALBUM CERTIFICATE
-
-
- Roger Epperson
told our associate that he had only seen Johnny Thunders’
signature once before. With that fact, once can only question
what exemplar base Roger Epperson used. His own words and logic
answer the question. He said that “your Sid Vicious is real,
so your Johnny Thunders has to be real.”
-
- Only seen
one Johnny Thunders signature? Isn’t this the same Roger
Epperson who stated, in writing, that “…what you do
when determining if an autograph is authentic or not, you compare
them to known exemplars. Usually between 12-25 known exemplars
is sufficient sometimes maybe less but never none at all...”
-
- Does this
mean that Roger Epperson has 12-15 New York Dolls exemplars,
with Johnny Thunders’ signature, that match this signature
that is practically invisible?
-
- Now, consider
the logic he said he applied. Two distinct individuals. Two distinct
bands. Never mind that one of the signatures is not completely
visible. If one is real, the other must be. And remember, he
said his certificates will be accepted at any auction house in
the world.
-
- Both of these
albums were purchased from a vendor at a flea market in Baltimore.
-
- Regardless
of the aforementioned facts, Roger Epperson issued the report.
Yet again, he charged the bank card.
- METALLICA:
-
- Next up is
Metallica. Steve Cyrkin, publisher of Autograph Magazine,
has referred to Roger Epperson as one of the world’s two
pre-eminent Metallica experts. This is his specialty. He bills
himself as a music expert, but he really excels at Metallica.
-
- Ironically,
Steve Cyrkin was given an advance copy of this story, and was
given the opportunity to run it in Autograph Magazine.
Apparently, he did not view it as news. After reading the material,
he described Roger Epperson in an email as one of the “legitimate
autograph hobby's protectors”.
-
- Are we supposed
to believe that, if Steve Cyrkin had information like this about
anyone who was not one of his cronies or an advertiser in Autograph
Magazine, the story would not end up in his publication?
Sadly, the reality is he has run much more defamatory pieces,
with far less evidence, on others. Apparently, the protection
that is going on is not of collectors, but of Steve Cyrkin’s
cronies and advertisers.
-
- According
to Autograph Magazine, “Autograph magazine also
screens dealers and auctions it allows to advertise and seriously
responds to complaints by collectors.” This statement sounds
great, but Steve Cyrkin’s actions indicate this does not
apply when the complaint is against a member of “his team”.
-
- Steve Cyrkin
has had no problem finding space to run glowing stories on what
he considers Roger Epperson's expertise. He has even found space
for "Top 10 Rockin' Buys by Roger Epperson" (Aril 2008).
This seems to be the only stroy about Roger Epperson Steve Cyrkin
has not been able to find any room for in Autograph Magazine.
-
- KILL
'EM ALL ALBUM COVER SIGNED
BY CLIFF BURTON 22 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH
-
-
- KILL
'EM ALL ALBUM 2008 BACK
COVER
-
-
KILL
'EM ALL CERTIFICATE
-
 The
three photos above are of the first of the two Metallica albums
that Roger Epperson certified for our associate, the Kill
'Em All album cover. The album bears the signatures of Cliff
Burton and Lars Ulrich.
-
- Once again,
one has to ask what exemplars Roger Epperson used to certify
this album. Why? Because this album is a re-release. The photo
below is a detailed shot of the back of the album. It was released
in 2008.
-
- Isn't this
the same Roger Epperson who has stated, in writing, that "…what
you do when determining if an autograph is authentic or not,
you compare them to known exemplars. Usually between 12-25 known
exemplars is sufficient sometimes maybe less but never none at
all..."
-
- Does this
mean that Roger Epperson has 12-15 Metallica exemplars with Cliff
Burton signatures that match this piece?
-
- How can that
be?
-
- Cliff Burton
died on September 27, 1986.
-
- How can a
dead man sign an album released after his death? Doesn't Roger
Epperson know that albums are released and re-released at various
times? Doesn't he check that?
-
- How could
Roger Epperson not have checked the release date to know the
album was released 22 years after Cliff Burton died?
-
- Isn't he the
Metallica expert?
- DETAIL
KILL 'EM ALL ALBUM 2008 BACK COVER
-
- This album
was purchased from the same vendor at the same flea market in
Baltimore.
-
- Once again,
Roger Epperson issued the report. He charged the bank card.
-
- Next Mettalica
Album:
-
- MASTER
OF PUPPETS ALBUM COVER
SIGNED BY CLIFF BURTON 22 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH
-
- MASTER
OF PUPPETS ALBUM BACK
COVER
-
- DETAIL
OF MASTER OF PUPPETS ALBUM BACK COVER
-
 World-leading
Metallica expert Roger Epperson also passed this Metallic album,
Master of Puppets album, as being signed by Cliff Burton.
-
- Yet again,
one has to ask what exemplars Roger Epperson used to certify
this album. Why? Because this album, like the other Metallica
album, is a re-release. The photo below is a detailed shot of
the back of the album. It was re-released in 2008.
-
- Isn't this
the same Roger Epperson who has stated, in writing, that "…what
you do when determining if an autograph is authentic or not,
you compare them to known exemplars. Usually between 12-25 known
exemplars is sufficient sometimes maybe less but never none at
all..."
-
- Does this
mean that Roger Epperson has 12-15 Metallica exemplars with Cliff
Burton signatures that match this piece?
How can that be?
-
- Cliff Burton
died on September 27, 1986.
-
| |