People believe what they want to believe to be true.
This saying is so true… if searching the internet or scouring auctions for an elusive piece of rock memorabilia something that you really want suddenly becomes available and excitement and anticipation go into overdrive. However, there is just something about it that doesn’t quite ring true, doesn’t look right, too cheap etc. Frequently and to our detriment we persuade ourselves or are persuaded that our doubts are unfounded and ignore the signal(s) because we “want to believe”.
One way we can be persuaded to buy something that doesn’t tick all the boxes is through Certificates/Letters of Authenticity some of these are highly elaborate and made to look official but in most cases they are worthless and without merit.
These documents can be generated by the seller or associates of the seller in an attempt to bring credibility to piece that doesn’t have any credible information or history associated with it. Anyone can claim to be qualified to assess and certify at will and this is where a conflict of interest may arise.
If the seller is also responsible for creating the Certificate of Authenticity albeit under a different pseudonym the buyer is effectively being hoodwinked.
We are not saying everyone does this, there are a few independent specialised companies/individuals that offer this service but in the final analysis it is their opinion nothing more.
Our advice is to stick to the following 3 principals whilst engaging a buyers instinct.
If it doesn’t look right,
smell right,
feel right,
then chances are it ‘aint right!
Think about this. If you are clearing out a shed or attic and you happen to find an old newspaper wrapped around some discarded item stored decades earlier your perception of this newspaper is that; it looks old, it looks faded , it looks brittle but most of all that strongest of all our senses (smell) tells us that it is unquestionably old.
The same rules apply to memorabilia with consideration given to how long ago the item was printed/made. Clearly a piece from the early 60’s will have more aging in almost every respect when compared against something from the 80’s.
Auction Houses
The majority of auction houses or auctions are honest offerings however there are some indicators that should be noted when looking to buy in person or on the internet.
Very few, a handful of Auction Houses or Auctioneers could be regarded as true experts in this field.
I can cite too many instances where an auction house has been challenged on the authenticity of a lot included within a general or music memorabilia sale. Reputable Auction Houses will respond with their views commenting on their findings prior to the sale clarifying the issues raised. However they may not have the resources expertise to genuinely assess the item accurately. They then have several options :
1. They may choose to withdraw the lot thereby losing their commission on hammer price.
2. Place a caveat stating “each buyer needs to satisfy themselves in relation to authenticity prior to bidding at auction.” Potential buyers should make their own enquiries on the authenticity of a lot.
3. Ignore the request – This should flag up warning signals as no reputable Auctioneer Auction House dealer should or would do this.
eBay and online sales
“I have a picture of me getting this album signed”
This is in most cases genuine but regrettably this can also be an unscrupulous tactic to sell a fake/forgery in an attempt to convince the unwary that they are buying the real deal. Do you know for sure the person in the photograph is the person trying to persuade you to part with a substantial sum of money.
Posters
This is an absolute minefield. An original 1st print can command £10,000’s and more! Dependant on the artist, design and number of prints known to be in existence. 2nd and 3rd reprints are not so collectable and priced again dependant on artist and design and will sell anywhere between £40.00 and £300.00 (as a ball park generalisation). Forgeries purporting to be originals are rife on eBay, online auction houses, specialist dealers you name it. Counterfeit posters/flyers have been successfully sold through many well-known and respected auction houses as well as specialist shops, eBay and again any source of outlet where a potential can be totally scammed.
There are several tell-tale signs of copies/reprints many are but to be really sure of a posters provenance.
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