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Author
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Topic: RR Auctions COAs...legit?
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MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 06-23-2008 05:25 PM
   
If an item comes with a certificate of authenticity from R&R Auctions, does this mean that the autograph has been inspected and pretty much authentic? Are they like PSA/DNA in terms of autographs?Please let me know! Thank you. -Rodrigo |
mikeh
Member Posts: 147
From:
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted 06-23-2008 09:19 PM
Read the recent discussion under the Auctions forum regarding the R&R June 2008 auction. R&R is legit and well recognized, however they do not currently have a specialized Space authenticator reviewing their items. This unfortunately is the case with several well-known auction houses. So, even with a COA, it increases the possibility of making more mistakes than otherwise. I would place much more value on an R&R COA with Scott C's name attached than one without. However, I don't know if many general collectors would value the difference similarly. From the aforementioned discussion, it does appear that R&R stands behind their COA, with the right evidence or expert opinion. I would not expect otherwise. test |
Lunar rock nut
Member Posts: 911
From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A.
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-24-2008 07:41 AM
I have a friend I recommeneded R&R to last year to sell an apollo 11 crew signed photo. The signatures were on matting and when he sent it in for authentication one of the two gentlemen of combined experience in the recent thread mike mentioned above turned it away. We then managed to get it into Scott C.'s hands and it was found to be quite authentic and sold in R&R's june auction of last year. In fact it is now owned by a cS member from the U.K.Just a little food for thought. Terry |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2008 08:36 AM
quote:
Originally posted by MrSpace86:
If an item comes with a certificate of authenticity from R&R Auctions, does this mean that the autograph has been inspected and pretty much authentic?
I would suggest that no COA, regardless of who issued it, can serve to guarantee authenticity. At best, the COA can guarantee its return to the seller if found to be a forgery, but taking a COA at face value is a poor idea, especially if it accompanies a third-party sale. |
spaced out
Member Posts: 3110
From: Paris, France
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 06-24-2008 09:49 AM
If I understand it correctly RR's COAs (and those of other auction houses) work on the basis that the original consignee is held responsible for the authenticity of an item.If a buyer comes back to the auction house with convincing evidence that an item is questionable the auction house will refund the buyer and will then seek the original monies paid to the consignee. In a sense they risk little by issuing a COA except their reputation. I'm not even sure they lose the fees in the event of a refund. The COA probably only has value for the original buyer. If the item is subsequently resold the next buyer has no recourse directly to the COA's issuer. They would be reliant on the reseller for any refund. That's my understanding anyway, but perhaps someone who speaks 'legalese' can correct me if I'm wrong. |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 06-24-2008 11:47 AM
Yes, the item I was looking at was a Gagarin signed photo on eBay that came with COA from R&R. I went to their website and they had a lot of nice space items but after reading the previous thread CS about the R&R authenticators, I did not bid on it event though I was almost convinced it was legit. Now reading some of the discussion on here, I am glad I did not bid. Not because it could have been a forgery, but because I am no expert in Babe Ruth autographs either  Thank you all for your feedback!! -Rodrigo |
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