Does the Autograph Society of America Exist?

[Steve Cyrkin, Admin]

Have you ever heard of an autograph dealer organization called the Autograph Society of America?

Antiquities of Las Vegas, in Caesar's Palace, and Antiquities of California, in San Francisco on Fisherman's Wharf, claim they're members. And they say that the Autograph Society of America doesn't recognize opinions of PSA/DNA, JSA or REAL (Roger Epperson) as support for refunds, because they will not guarantee their opinions. So therefore, Antiquities does not recognize those authenticators for refunds under their "Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity."

Antiquities recognizes Christopher Morales, Don Frangipani and "Col. Myron Ross, retired US Army handwriting certifier."

They used to recognize AAU/Drew Max—the forensic document examiner with the big magnifying glass on Pawn Stars—but they may not anymore.

I have never heard of the Autograph Society of America, except in correspondence between Toby Stoffa and Brian Eick of Antiquities and their customers.

I searched Google, Bing and YAHOO, and I couldn't find the organization.

I asked some long-time dealers and they haven't heard of the organization.

Their proud membership in the Autograph Society of America isn't listed on either Antiquities website.

Have you heard of it? Can you help me find it...or other dealers that are members?

Does the Autograph Society of America really exist?

[roger epperson]

I'm a member of "The peoples autograph society of Germany"  and my wife is too.

[Rick Garceau]

I hope there is no such organization that would recognize that lineup!

[Steve Cyrkin, Admin]

So far I only found two stooges who say they're Autograph Society of America members. 

Hmm...well if we can't find it, it must be an autograph underworld organization. 

[DB]

Hmm... seems to me that the board of directors who had appalachian meeting regularly consisted of;

Michael Lopez, Greg & Roger Marino along with consiglieres..

 

[Steve Cyrkin, Admin]

Autograph Society of America

[Rick Garceau]

I don't know anything about these dealers mentioned here, but wouldn't their claim to be a member of an association that doesn't exist, constitute fraud in itself. Are they saying they are members after their customers have authenticity concerns and try to get refunds?

[DB]

Rick, like anything else but especially prevalent within this hobby if you don't check things out under "the hood" you never know who is really in the band;

[Rick Garceau]

Right DB. I didn't do my homework before I started collecting, but with the help of this magazine and its members I'm catching on.

[DB]

Rick, you weren't the only one believe me and you most assuredly won't be the last one.  It's probably one of the lasting legacies that this blog site brings to the collecting world.  But of course, it has taken it's licks & beatings from some (some justified, much not).  What I have come to understand is that the interaction, insights, knowledge and inter-active dealings behind the scenes is generally not published (and for good reason) but it is something.

Of the many items that stick in my craw (other than yours) was the gal who had a Marino Forgery Mantle that she had re-acquired after her father's passing which she had given to him as a wedding present from her daughter.  These shysters, self proclaimed "I am the greatest" authenticators", and their friends of forgers blogs, magazines & websites could care less who get's screwed.

[Seleznev Dmitri]

Dear Rick,

You are not alone, most of us, new collectors had no idea abour a bunch of scumbags pretending to be a "dealers" and selling us a garbage. Use this magazine, communicate with Mr. Cyrkin who can always help you and give you a friendly advice. You might also want to check www.isitreal.com and www.autografica.com exellent start for new collectors like us.

[Rick Garceau]

DB, where can I read more about her story?

[Seleznev Dmitri]

I live in San Francisco more than 20 years. Never heard of these guys. Never met them mentioned on the ANY respectable or reputable website, by ANY well known and respectable dealer or member of UACC-AFTAL-IADA- etc. They don't recognize PSA/DNA ? Fine, so we do not recognize them! I would strongly suggest to stay away from them, unless you want to waste your time and hard-earned money...