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Subscriber BONUS One of the most visible certification letters accompanying autographed sports memorabilia lots under eBay is signed by Donald Frangipani of Brooklyn, N.Y., who is touted as a veteran forensic specialist. To some, his letter means credibility; to others, the letter means the item is bogus. In an interview with Sweet Spot, Don Frangipani discussed many topics related to authenticating sports memorabilia. As an immediate point of clarification, Frangipani says when he issues his letters, "I'm not authenticating an item; I am merely giving my opinion. Many of the letters that people see are not my letters. I know a guy in Canada who is forging my letters. I had a detective in Boston area purchase Foxx, Gehrig and Ruth cut signatures with my letters. The items came with my letters that were faked. Another organization has 300 of my letters. I can show you 15 letters I never issued. I've seen Sosa and McGwire baseballs sold with one of my letters. The items were all fakes and they're sold all over the place." While discussing that others are forging his letters, Frangipani added that he does make mistakes "just like dealers and other examiners make mistakes." He added, "Do I make mistakes? I'm not God. I offer a letter of verification. I don't issue a certificate of authenticity; that's up to the dealer. I issue a letter of signature verification, but it is the dealer who has the responsibility. He may have a different opinion than I have." To read the entire article,press Read More if you are an Online subscriber or Subscribe Now! |