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Author
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Topic: 230145381628: Grissom signed check
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RangeZero
Member Posts: 28
From: Indiana, USA
Registered: Jun 2006
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posted 06-28-2007 01:47 AM
  
I've been watching this on eBay: 230145381628I've requested a better, larger scan from the seller but have not received a response. Besides the low starting price, something just doesn't seem right. Opinions? Kevin |
mikelarson
Member Posts: 293
From: Port Washington, NY
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 06-28-2007 06:07 AM
I think the autograph is authentic, the check is just not in the best of shape (extra writing and a lot of cancellation holes). Of all he Grissom checks I've seen this one is probably the least desirable IMHO.Mike |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-28-2007 06:20 AM
I did a Google search for "Virgil I. Grissom" (and "Gus") and "Bank of Fort Sam Houston" and found that several other checks like this one have been sold by reputable dealers. A bigger scan sure would help (can we even see who it is made out to?) but I'd bid on it.Which brings up something I've been wondering- is there an unwritten code that one shouldn't bid on open auction items about which people ask for advice in this forum? Or is it understood that bringing something to attention on this forum means you will get advice, but more people might bid against you for it now? Thanks,
Steve |
RangeZero
Member Posts: 28
From: Indiana, USA
Registered: Jun 2006
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posted 06-28-2007 08:11 AM
I guess my biggest concern was whether or not Grissom was living in Texas in 1953 but apparently he was an jet instructor in Bryan, Texas by 1952.Thanks for the opinions. Steve, you bring up a good point that I hope to see some responses to. Kevin |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 06-28-2007 08:34 AM
Hi Steve:
Good question. I can't speak for anyone else, however for me, if I wish to bid on an item and need advice on authenticity I ask trusted friends privately rather than post here. The advice you will get here is usually reliable, but it seems to me that drawing the attention of hundreds of other collectors to an item that might have slipped under the radar likely will result in promoting additional bidding from others. Posting here puts a white-hot spotlight on an item. If it's a bogus item, that can be a good thing. If it's real and/or rare, you'll probably spawn competition. That's why I always ask others privately.
Rob |
RMH
Member Posts: 577
From: Ohio
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-28-2007 03:54 PM
As far as Steve's question I agree with what Rob wrote. It's a double edge sword kind of thing. By asking advice you draw attention to the item, if it's a good item others that might have missed the item will now be bidding against you. If you are unsure of an item and don't ask, you risk wasting your money. I find this a difficult decision when items are poorly listed (usually items being sold by people who know little about what they are selling) and contain a potential treasure. If I asked advice (which is usually very good from cs members) about an item I would naturally assume that everyone has the potential to gain from that knowledge and might bid against me. There would be no way of knowing if the item was spotted because of an inquiry on this board or spotted by another bidder on their own. |
fabfivefreddy
Member Posts: 1067
From: Leawood, Kansas USA
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 06-28-2007 06:36 PM
I think this item is 100% good. A nicer scan would help confirm that. The cancellation holes through the signature can hurt its value considerably at most auctions. Tahir |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 2914
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-28-2007 07:25 PM
Mrs. Betty Grissom, at one time, handed over more than 100 signed Grissom checks to an auction house back in the 90s. Most of them, from what I was told, were bank drafts from Grissom when he was an Air Force pilot (50s) and even some as a Mercury astronaut. Yes, they are genuine. |
Bob M
Member Posts: 1745
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 06-28-2007 08:08 PM
These Betty Grissom-supplied Virgil I. Grissom handwritten and signed checks are a great way to obtain a certain genuine Grissom autograph - and relic. They have been appearing fairly often and usually selling for $250-$350. But IMO, this is a poor example, with cancellation holes through Gus's signature, and extra writing added and some damage to the check. If such a flawed check is acceptable and can be bought for a moderate amount of money, then it would be a good purchase IMO. But certainly better examples will be available in the future. Bob Mc. |
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