Author
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Topic: Authentication experience with Steve Zarelli
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jemmy Member Posts: 176 From: Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 04-18-2012 09:39 AM
I would just like to share my recent authentication experience with Steve Zarelli.Recently I purchased a signed Apollo astronaut photo at auction that turned out to be a fake. I only realised it was a fake a couple of months after the purchase after comparing it to known examples of Anders. I know Anders is a tough autograph but had my suspicions of it. I contacted the auction house immediately to report the item but the auction house refused to refund or even look at my signed photo because they said it was purchased outside the timeframe for return (maybe two to three months after the auction closed). I had no choice to let it pass because I did not know what to do but a couple of months later, I got in contact with Steve Zarelli via cS. Steve was very helpful from the start and worked tirelessly to help my in my refund. He sent me an authentication report that included why he thought it was a fake. I sent this report to the auction house and on Steve's findings they decided to issue me a full refund (12 months later). This was a large amount of money to me and without Steve's help I don't think I would have ever seen it again. I learned a vast amount from this experience and all thanks to Steve. Since then, Steve has authenticated a couple more autographs and issued me with a couple certificates of authenticity. I would like to recommend Steve to anybody out there that needs an authentication service or just needs some friendly advise. |
benfairfax Member Posts: 199 From: NSW Australia Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 04-18-2012 10:39 AM
Thanks for the info Jemmy. I would like to get Steve to have a look at a recent few lithos I have bought. Could you please pass on his contact details? Thanks for the post. |
Steve Zarelli Member Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 04-18-2012 12:43 PM
Thank you for the very kind note, James. Glad I was able to help.As some may know, I consult with RR Auction, JSA and a few dealers privately. I don't actively promote issuing LOAs, but it is something I am glad to do. You can always get in touch with me directly through my contact information here at cS. Best regards and happy collecting! |
Tallpaul Member Posts: 153 From: Rocky Point, NY, USA Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 04-18-2012 03:03 PM
I also had a situation with an auction house over a forged cosmonaut cover. The auction house has agreed to refund my money even though I did not discover the item was a forgery until almost a year later. Steve's LOA played a large role in the process. Numerous members of cS also played a role in supporting the conclusion prior to my getting in touch with Steve. So to Bob, Alex, Florian, and Steve's colleagues at RR I say: gracias, tante grazie, danke, spasebo, and thanks a million. As for the auction house, they have been very gracious and I will certainly do business with them again. I know Caveat Emptor is an important concept to keep in mind, but buyers should be able to rely upon the integrity of the auction houses to honestly represent the items that they are promoting. |
benfairfax Member Posts: 199 From: NSW Australia Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 04-22-2012 09:42 AM
I want to say that I have had a recent dealing with Steve and found him to be an absolute pleasure. Thank you Steve. A real and true credit to space collectors the world over. |
Steve Zarelli Member Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 04-22-2012 12:13 PM
You guys are making me blush! |
RLK88 Member Posts: 97 From: Long Island, NY Registered: Jul 2012
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posted 12-18-2012 03:55 PM
I would like to also add that I had some recent communications with Steve and he is a true gentleman and very knowledgeable about all things space - especially autographs! — Randy |