Is It REAL?!
What happens when you score a great deal on eBay ? Like $400 for an original “Wizard of OZ” lobby card that’s worth $1000? Or a $1000 autograph for $100? And then, after a few years when you’re ready to resell it, you find out it was a Fake and/or Reproduction and hence worthless? . Sound far-fetched ? Well, that exact scenario has happened countless times. . This year will be my 40th Anniversary collecting classic movie, sports and historical memorabilia . And over those 40 years of collecting these exciting artifacts of movie, sports & historical memorabilia, I've just about seen it all. The countless fake autographs, reproduction vintage posters that online sellers offer as Originals and of course the famous Movie Poster forgeries about 8 years ago that scammed collectors of millions!. . So how do you know ? Well let me start with the day I asked that same question about 30 years ago. . Around 1990 I attended a high end art show exhibit that included a number of Picassos. I struck up a conversation with one of the gallery hosts and asked, “How do you know if that’s a REAL Picasso? She responded, “See that man over there, he’s a major Picasso expert, ask him” . SO, I made my way in his direction and waited for a young lady to finish her conversation with him. As soon as she left to head for the wine bar, I slide over to him as he was gazing at one of the Picassos. Then, I just came right out and asked THE question, “How do you know if its real”.. . His response was short but profound. He said one word, “Experience” . Then he said that may not make sense to you now, but look at as much art as you can, look at thousands of pieces. And the day will come when you develop the “Eye” and then you’ll know. . Today, I know exactly what he meant. There is no way to teach or train someone to acquire an “Eye” for art or autographs or genuine vintage antique posters or valuable art. Its just something you have to acquire over time with an intense passion for your subject of interest. . That’s why I have a reputation for being obsessive about authenticity. Whether its autographs, posters, art or vintage photographs; provenance and detailed expert analysis takes priority over everything. . So when we purchased an advertised Original 1955 “Wizard of OZ” lobby card recently and received it in the mail, I was taken aback when I took it out and immediately discovered it was a Reproduction. What most collectors would have missed screamed NOT Genuine . The paper was a modern style used for reproductions (much different then Original Vintage lobby card paper), the graphics were inferior and computer enhanced, the fonts as you can see from the image above on the reproduction (top card “Munchkin scene” ) are thinner and narrower. And, of course in the bottom right corner in small letters was a “Repro” identifier. . Meanwhile, no where is the forgery business more prolific then with Autographs, particularly on eBay with mostly “Unknown” sellers, namely sellers that have no reputation in the autograph industry. Recently, I was shocked to see on eBay a number of PSA slabbed autographs that were quite silly forgeries, that no reputable dealer would ever consider genuine. Why and How they were PSA Slabbed, I have no explanation. But again, another example of the value of investing with someone with extensive experience, expertise and a Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. . So, today when someone asks me “How do you know that Frank Sinatra or John Wayne autograph is real or not”, all I can say is “Experience”. Forty years of it. . If you have not already read our industry renown article "Ten Warning Signs a Dealer is Selling Forgeries", this one information source may be invaluable to you ! Read it HERE . To see some of our Extraordinary Guaranteed Authentic Treasures from classic Hollywood, Sports and History browse our Categories Menu on our home page: www.cvtreasures.com . * And to see some of our new exciting acquisitions ad high end Museum Grade pieces, Check out ourNEW PRODUCTS and FEATURED PRODUCT Galleries
. And don't forget to visit some of our Featured Collection Galleries below including:
John Wayne Collection Frank Sinatra Judy Garland Wizard of OZ Three Stooges Abbott & Costello Classic Sports Historic Original Photography Odd & Unusual Antique Artifacts |
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* And don't forget to check out our Newest Rare Vintage Acquisitions in our NEW PRODUCTS Gallery
AND, the best of the best Treasures in the FEATURED Gallery...
HOT TIP - Did you know that you can now Sort all the product listings you are viewing using the SORT drop down box at top of each product listing .. So if you do not want to see SOLD OUT products in your searches or product viewing just select BY PRICE HIGHEST and all the SOLD OUT product will go to the end and your product listings will start with highest to lowest prices.
Conway's Vintage Treasures > For Collectors - The Ultimate Finds > For Loved Ones - The Ultimate Gift > For Interior Design - Transcend Ordinary into Extraordinary
Any questions CONTACT US link at top of website or email us at cvtreasures@gmail.com or Call me directly at 888-499-8112
Kevin Conway has been collecting and selling the most desirable historical memorabilia since 1980. At Conway's Vintage Treasures we scour the universe in search of the most rare, exclusive memorabilia from the legends of classic Hollywood, Politics, Sports and historical figures and events that have shaped the landscape of American culture. . AND, we GUARANTEE Everything we sell is AUTHENTIC, FOR LIFE!
We are UACC Registered Dealer No. 307
At Conway's Vintage Treasures we understand collecting is MORE than just a hobby,it's a PASSION.
Contact Us at Kevin@Cvtreasures.com
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