by Max Silberman

With the explosion of interest in sports memorabilia, it came as no surprise that a great deal of superstar autographs turned out to be counterfeit, even attracting the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Autographs of the biggest stars sold at outrageously high prices and then turned out to be bogus. Buyers seeking to protect themselves began to demand certificates of authenticity.At the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society Gift Shoppe, any autographed material we sell was signed at one of our events and under our supervision so we are able to issue such certificates to buyers. At one time, years ago, we sold superstar autographs from an extremely reputable supplier and they were accompanied by a certificate from that firm.

How good is a certificate of authenticity? No better than whoever issued it. In the coin hobby, there was an old saying: ‘If you don’t know the coin, know the dealer.” Likewise if you are not an autograph expert, you should buy from folks you trust. A phony autograph can easily be accompanied by an equally phony certificate.

Most player autographs of non superstars are usually authentic. Some players and celebrities rarely sign their own autographs. Clubhouse boys, mechanical devices, coaches and others often have performed this task for players who had more demand for their signature than they could possibly accomodate. Connie Mack’s signature was often signed by Wayne Ambler, Dave Keefe or Lena
Blackburne simply to please all the requests. There was certainly no intent to defraud as the autographs were given free of charge but in today’s world it is a different story.

Many collectors who purchase high value autographs presently seek the authentication of third party experts who will authenticate an autograph for a fee. Others trust only those autographs they obtain in person.One of the best things the Society offers is the opportunity to get autographs (or pictures and conversation) from the players in person at very reasonable fees. Our popular 8 autographs for $35 amounts to less than $5 an autograph for most of our guests and you will know that it is real! Some
guests cost a little more but are still quite inexpensive. The revenues generated by the autograph sessions make the reunion weekend financially feasible at a reasonable cost to the fan. There is no admission charge to the Saturday signing at the Day’s Inn and even those not attending Sunday’s breakfast may still purchase autographs.

When it comes to trusting a dealer of cards or autographs, it is always safest to deal with people who have a proven track record and a permanent location. Internet buyers on eBay can easily check the performance record of the vendor. “Fly by Nighters” are the least reliable dealers in any area of business.

The Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society absolutely guarantees the authenticity of any signature we sell and our 8 years of honest performance and our permanent location in Hatboro gives comfort to collectors.