29 replies to this topic

[The_Signed_image]

For all you Bond autograph collectors, I have completed a free guide on how to avoid the fraudulent fake and forgery sellers on eBay. The guide gives you tips on what to look out for and the research that you need to do in order to avoid being scammed.

To read the guide click the link below.

http://members.ebay....id=signed_image

I hope you all find it useful and educational.

Let's clean up the hobby together,

Warmest wishes,

Lee.

[zencat]

Very cool. Thanks.

[killkenny kid]

Great

[Bon-san]

Bless you trying to make a living in that den of scammery.

[The_Signed_image]

Den of scammery is exactly right. It always gives me a sinking feeling when somebody is proud to show off their collection and the majority of them are not even worth the price of the photo! I try to warn as many people as I possibly can if I see them bidding on complete trash, but as you can probably imagine, based on the amount of fake Connery autographs on eBay alone, there are so many I just can't keep up.

If there is anyone on this forum that is thinking about buying any Bond autographs I hereby offer my services free of charge at any time to give you my opinion. All you have to do is post a scan of the item in question or PM me.

All the best,

Lee.

PS- Out of curiosity, I am thinking of putting together a FREE 'Bond autograph signature reference guide' which will have scans of authentic signatures and also scans of the fake signatures doing the rounds. How many of you would be interested in this guide? It would be in email format and would be in sections eg. one email would be based solely on Connery's signature etc. If you would be interested post your answer here. If there is enough interest I will definitely do it!

[DEVONKNIGHT]

Thanks Lee! I've been looking to get all the Bond actors autographs for some time now, but have been afarid of getting scammed. Next time I see one I'm interested in, I will definitely call upon your expertise.

P.S. Thumbs up on posting the Bond signature reference guide.

Edited by DEVONKNIGHT, 20 July 2006 - 01:38 PM.

[Simon]

Buying an autograph seems to me to be missing the entire point of owning an autograph.

Personally, I find the whole hobby somewhat distasteful, running around after some poor soul, thrusting a scrappy piece of paper and a crayon under their face to get a scrap of something from which to remember the occasion.

But the fact that this has been obtained personally seems to me to be the entire point. You saw him/her, you interacted, you've got proof of the event with said scrap paper.

To go and buy something from an unknown source screams, "I want to be scammed", so good luck to all the ebayers in this respect.

How anyone really places faith in a COA is beyond me. Yeah right, so what certifies your COA?

[Mike00spy]

A good way to get bond autographs is to collect the trading cards released by Rittenhouse Archives. You don't have to worry about getting a fake with those.

http://www.scifihobb...ry.cfm?CatID=16

[The_Signed_image]

Firstly Simon, if you click on the link that I originally posted and read the guide you will notice that point 5 says:-

"Do not think that just because an autograph comes with a fancy Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) that it must be authentic. They mean absolutely nothing! We issue COA's because it is expected by customers these days and each COA that we issue is personally signed and dated by me and features the details of our 100% Money Back Lifetime Guarantee. Anybody can create a COA and no matter how good it looks it will not magically transform a cheap fake into a valuable authentic autograph!"

Honest sellers AND scammers issue COA's. My point is that you shouldn't let the fact that a COA is issued be THE deciding factor when making a purchase. With each of our COA's being signed and dated by me personally it becomes a legal document making me liable and solely responsible if there are any problems. We back that up with our 100% Money Back Lifetime Guarantee which offers our customers a completely NO RISK experience.

Now, you may find the buying and selling of autographs distasteful, and you are entitled to your opinion, but your reasons for collecting will not be shared by everybody. There are people who collect Bond autographs for investment purposes, people who would like to have autographs from as many Bond actors as possible and many more reasons. If people do collect Bond autographs for investment purposes or to have as many autographs of Bond actors there is only so far you can go by collecting signatures in-person. Receiving autographs through the mail by writing to stars is not in-person collecting and is rife with secretarial signatures. So, Simon, how many autographs of the following feature in your collection:-

Ian Fleming
Sean Connery
Adolfo Celi
Bernard Lee
Harold Sakata
Gert Frobe
Robert Shaw
Lotte Lenya
Donald Pleasence
Telly Savalas
Jack Lord
Ilse Steppat
Teru Shimada

and, if any, how many did you obtain in-person? Sure, you can easily obtain in-person signatures from the likes of Lois Chiles, Richard Kiel, Maryam D'abo, Shane Rimmer, George Lazenby etc. because they are regular signers on the convention circuit, but unless you purchase the rarer signatures not only will your collection be very, very thin and unspectacular, it will also be of very little monetary value in years to come.

So now I come to my final point. Your opinion on buying autographs has been duly noted, but this topic was started to provide education FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING AUTOGRAPHS! Since this doesn't apply to you, and you have not provided anything educational thus far, why post here in the first place? If you want to discuss your opinions on the distastefulness of buying autographs why not start your own topic?

[Leiter]

I'm in for the reference guide. I'm a big fan of Robert Shaw but I've been afraid to buy any of his autographs because I've been warned from plenty of JAWS fans.

BTW if you come across any Robert Shaw autographs would you mind giving me a heads up? I don't mind if it is from JAWS, FRWL, or anything else.

[The_Signed_image]

Hi Leiter,

I know this will probably look as if I'm biased towards my own shop, but the only authentic Robert Shaw autograph I have seen on the market for a long, long time is this one in our Premium Bond Rarities category.

http://stores.ebay.c...6QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I have seen our piece being discussed on Jaws forums with most people complaining about the high price tag, or discussing if it looks like it was signed with a Sharpie( For people who don't know, the Sharpie was invented in 1977 but wasn't widely used for signing autographs until after Robert Shaw's death in 1978. Therefore the golden rule is: If you see somebody selling a Robert Shaw autograph which has been signed with a Sharpie, avoid them). The one in the link above has been signed with a regular felt tip as the signature is actually quite transparent when viewed in the flesh. As far as the price tag goes, it is high because of the following:-

1) Shaw's autograph is rare enough anyway in any form.
2) It is even more rare on a Bond photograph showing him as Red Grant.
3) This particular photograph is a vintage press still developed in 1964 and is still in excellent condition.

The fact that this is the only autograph of his for sale in my shop shows how rare it is. If there were more out there I would be purchasing as many as I could get my hands on. I would then have more to sell and the price would not be so high. So I think that the price tag is more than justified.

Unfortunately this hobby can be a very expensive one, but if people want to collect the rarest signatures and investment pieces the only option is to pay the price for them. To my dismay though, most people would rather spend

[The_Signed_image]

Okay. I have now completed my extensive 'Sean Connery signature study'. It features scans of many examples of his authentic signature and many examples of the fakes doing the rounds. It really is a handy reference.

Anybody who wants a FREE copy need only email me at this address:-

[email protected]

I'll send you the study in an email as quick as I can. Rest assured I will not share your email address with anybody else.

If you are requesting a copy of the guide and are with AOL or are using a spam blocker/filter please make the appropriate settings to allow the guide to reach your Inbox.

Looking forward to hearing from you all,

Lee.

[Simon]

Firstly Simon, if you click on the link that I originally posted and read the guide you will notice that point 5 says:-

"Do not think that just because an autograph comes with a fancy Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) ................................ Anybody can create a COA and no matter how good it looks it will not magically transform a cheap fake into a valuable authentic autograph!"

Now, you may find the buying and selling of autographs distasteful, and you are entitled to your opinion, but your reasons for collecting will not be shared by everybody. ................................. So, Simon, how many autographs of the following feature in your collection:-

Ian Fleming
Sean Connery
Adolfo Celi
Bernard Lee
Harold Sakata
Gert Frobe
Robert Shaw
Lotte Lenya
Donald Pleasence
Telly Savalas
Jack Lord
Ilse Steppat
Teru Shimada

and, if any, how many did you obtain in-person? .

So now I come to my final point. Your opinion on buying autographs has been duly noted, but this topic was started to provide education FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING AUTOGRAPHS! Since this doesn't apply to you, and you have not provided anything educational thus far, why post here in the first place? If you want to discuss your opinions on the distastefulness of buying autographs why not start your own topic?

Lee,

I actually tried to get to that link, but for some reason it kept on freezing my internet link - this is perhaps work related as I haven't tried it on the home laptop. But your point on COAs is duly noted - I wasn't meaning to suggest you hadn't covered this in your guide.

As I stated before, I don't collect autographs so, ergo, I don't have any autographs in my collection! However, I do have Roger Moore's autograph as a birthday wish in absentia of an invite to said event. It will never be considered as part of a collection, more of a memento of a time in my life. However, I must admit it wasn't gained in person but was organised by his assistant so am guessing it is genuine - he was in the UK at the time of it's posting so I am under no delusions as to its genuineness.

And finally, as to why I should have the temerity to post non educational posts in Your thread - I wasn't aware there was a guide as to what should be posted by whom under which guidelines. Dear chap, this is a public forum and thus anything can be commented upon as one sees fit, so long as it doesn't contravene the rules set out by the forum owners - which includes neither you nor I.

I daresay my comments will not upset your business or the views of autograph hunters so perhaps a little less sensitivity could be applied.

Good luck.

[Bon-san]

Firstly Simon, if you click on the link that I originally posted and read the guide you will notice that point 5 says:-

"Do not think that just because an autograph comes with a fancy Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) ................................ Anybody can create a COA and no matter how good it looks it will not magically transform a cheap fake into a valuable authentic autograph!"

Now, you may find the buying and selling of autographs distasteful, and you are entitled to your opinion, but your reasons for collecting will not be shared by everybody. ................................. So, Simon, how many autographs of the following feature in your collection:-

Ian Fleming
Sean Connery
Adolfo Celi
Bernard Lee
Harold Sakata
Gert Frobe
Robert Shaw
Lotte Lenya
Donald Pleasence
Telly Savalas
Jack Lord
Ilse Steppat
Teru Shimada

and, if any, how many did you obtain in-person? .

So now I come to my final point. Your opinion on buying autographs has been duly noted, but this topic was started to provide education FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING AUTOGRAPHS! Since this doesn't apply to you, and you have not provided anything educational thus far, why post here in the first place? If you want to discuss your opinions on the distastefulness of buying autographs why not start your own topic?

Lee,

I actually tried to get to that link, but for some reason it kept on freezing my internet link - this is perhaps work related as I haven't tried it on the home laptop. But your point on COAs is duly noted - I wasn't meaning to suggest you hadn't covered this in your guide.

As I stated before, I don't collect autographs so, ergo, I don't have any autographs in my collection! However, I do have Roger Moore's autograph as a birthday wish in absentia of an invite to said event. It will never be considered as part of a collection, more of a memento of a time in my life. However, I must admit it wasn't gained in person but was organised by his assistant so am guessing it is genuine - he was in the UK at the time of it's posting so I am under no delusions as to its genuineness.

And finally, as to why I should have the temerity to post non educational posts in Your thread - I wasn't aware there was a guide as to what should be posted by whom under which guidelines. Dear chap, this is a public forum and thus anything can be commented upon as one sees fit, so long as it doesn't contravene the rules set out by the forum owners - which includes neither you nor I.

I daresay my comments will not upset your business or the views of autograph hunters so perhaps a little less sensitivity could be applied.

All fair enough, but it still doesn't explain why someone who professes to have no interest in collecting autographs would venture to render such strong and critical sentiments in a thread about autograph collecting.




Despite my snarky comments above, Simon, I respect and admire your backlog of quality forum posts.

[Simon]

Thanks and point taken.

To venture an explanation (I hadn't thought about it prior to typing), I figured a thread negating some topic was hardly the best thread to start and would never garner much response.

And mine was only a comment, in much the same way as one would commence a thread saying how good Brosnan was/is, and there would be some adverse reaction to that at some point in its life.

No more and no less.

[The_Signed_image]

Hi everyone,

I have just created another guide for your reading pleasure. This one is all about the 'Golden Principles' of Bond autograph collecting and is probably the best piece of work I have accomplished to date. It should be an extremely useful tool for you to use so please print it off so that you can read it thoroughly and digest every scrap of information. It can be found by clicking the link below.

http://stores.ebay.c...HERE-FIRST.html

Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming response to the 'Sean Connery signature reference study', I am glad you enjoyed it. For those who haven't yet read the Sean Connery study, but would like to, just email me at [email protected] and ask for it. It is completely free of charge.

Within the next 7 days I will complete the next reference study which will be based on Roger Moore's signature. I will let you all know when it is completed.

Speak to you all soon,

Lee.

[dalton007]

I got an Ilse Steppat autograph recently, how much is it worth Lee?

[The_Signed_image]

Hi Dalton,

It really depends what the autograph is written on, the clarity of the signature, and its condition. I have never seen an 8x10 'Bond' photograph signed by her. The most common autographs of hers to be found are on small photographs approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches. If it is one of those that you have obtained, as long as the signature is clear and the photograph is in good condition its market value would be between

[dalton007]

Thanks Lee!

Interesting read there.

I have a shot of it here, it is quite a nice autograph and one of my favourites!

[dalton007]

What are the rarest autographs of Bond, Lee?

[The_Signed_image]

Hi Dalton,

I am sure that there are actors who had the tiniest parts in the films whose signatures have yet to be seen and as such are rare from that point of view, but also not highly sought after and so not particularly valuable. However, it is the main characters that are sought after and of these some of the rarest and most valuable are:

Adolfo Celi, Harold Sakata, Robert Shaw, Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton, Daniela Bianchi, Herve Villechaize, Bernard Lee to name only a few.

Notice that Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton were included in the list. If you are looking for authentic signed photos of those two as Bond you could be waiting a very long time. I have a few Connery signed Bond shots in my personal collection and it has taken me nearly thirteen years of constant searching just to get those few. Dalton is now also impossible to find. The more common items signed by both will be album pages, cards or other media. Endless patience is required if looking for any of the rarities listed above in 8x10 photograph format. Endless patience and vast amounts of cash.

You have to be really careful with any Bond autograph, even the most common.
Too many fakes, Too many fakes, Too many fakes!! Sorry about the repetitiveness. I just had to get my point across.

I'll give an example: The most common signers such as Shirley Eaton, Eunice Gayson, George Lazenby etc. may sign an autograph for you via mail once or twice but they are certainly not going to keep repetetively signing for one person for free. Most, at conventions, charge between

[dalton007]

Wow, interesting read there Lee!

Your absoloutly right about dealers who sell endless supplies of fakes.......that spoils it for genuine collectors.

I have a few rare ones you mentioned there such as.

Ilse Steppat (I have 3!!!)





Daniela Bianchi ( I have 2!)





Timothy Dalton (Also have 2)





And I have a Lotte Lenya too!

Thanks for the useful info there again Lee!

[Bwanito]

Is there anyone that can tell me if this autograph is false or not? I got it in a film-convention in France a few years ago.

[dalton007]

Bwanito, I can confirm that this autograph is a fake.

It is either that or it has been signed in a rush.

An example of an authentic autograph of Roger Moore.

[Bwanito]

And what do you think about the autograph cards? With this type of items no problems with the fakes, isn't it?
Below you can find a link to the thread dedicated to this subject (autograph card from scifihobby).

http://debrief.comma...mp;#entry645753

[Simply Signed]

I am dalton007, I forgot my password. The autograph cards are IMO, a photo is much better.

[Bwanito]

I am dalton007, I forgot my password. The autograph cards are IMO, a photo is much better.

The Autograph card is a good choice when you don't have the opportunity to meet the actors (especially when some of them are deceased). But i agree with you "dalton007" nothing is more enjoyable than meet the people and get a little "souvenir".

[doublenoughtspy]

Lee,

I appreciate the information and the discussion.

However, I'm sure you realize the conflict of interest that exists since you deal in Bond autographs.

"Don't buy from the other guys, theirs are fakes, mine aren't!"

I'm not doubting the veracity of the statement, but it could just as well be coming from a used car dealer.

As Blair said, it's a hobby full of scammers. I know the FBI estimated that somewhere around 80% of autographs sold on ebay and through the web are fakes.

I agree with your point about the fact that collecting only in-person autographs severely limits your collection, but that is what I focus on because I'd rather not have any doubts.

I'm not fooling myself into thinking that my Lois Chiles autograph is ever going to be worth very much. But I had a fantastic time talking to her and so that to me was worth the price of the autograph.

The same can be said for the dozens of Bond people I've met over the years at shows in the US & UK. It's also easy to spot the ones that are there for a business transaction only versus the ones who love talking to the fans.

I know that Bond autograph collecting has grown a lot over the years, I'd love to see any tracking data on prices the way one can with posters or first editions to see how much of an upswing there is.

[Marketto007]

Buying an autograph seems to me to be missing the entire point of owning an autograph.

Agreed!

xxx

[Autograph Fanatic]

How rare is Noel Johnson?