Matt wrote in, asking for our help in ascertaining the legitimacy of his signed Gretzky card...
My girlfriend wanted to help my collection out and bought an autograph (off eBay) from Wayne Gretzky (who was my favorite all-time player) and it seems pretty legit but I'm not sure.
It also came with a COA but I know that isn't always true in this day and age.Well, gang...he asked for YOUR opinion. What do you think?
I was wondering if I could get your and your readers' opinion. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Here's a larger view of the card, if you wish to scrutinize the autograph.
15 comments:
sorry man 100% autopen. I have seen a ton of those! People still get fooled on ebay by them!!
Sorry Matt- I have to agree with other comments--I would say autopen also--hope I'm wrong
Sadly this is the notorious Gretzky autopen. Its a nice addition to a regular card but is certainly not a legit autograph. Its sad that dealers on ebay sell these to people who just want a real autograph.
Yeah man, that's an autopen.
.....auto pen got one back about 2 years ago and it is a perfect match for signature
Autopen big guy..same thing happened to me. I kept mine cause it looks cool but it's not real sadly.
Actually, there is a darker spot, at the end of the last 'Y'.
But yeah - it's the classic autopen.
Sadly, you can tell the extra ink(darker spots) at the lift points where the autopen stoppedmomentarily, no inconsistencies in slant or flow. If it's to good to be true it usually is: It doesn't get much better than this as far as a Wayne Gretzky full signature(if it was real not an autopen) meaning you would pay several hundred dollars for Wayne to sign like this from WGA(you would get the WGA hologram and certificate). It is a shame when someone tries to get you a gift because they know you enjoy collectibles, but they really don't know what they are buying, and don't understand the pitfalls that unfortunately are prevelant in our hobby. It stings, especially when the person thinks they are really getting you a nice item. Far to many people still believe a certificate of authenticity is a valid item, some are but are occumpanied by a hologram or sticker, but far to many just aren't; if someone is willing to fake a signature(not the case here) they certainly have no problem printing out a bogus certificate.
Matt, maybe you can find the COA and send the card back to the company for a refund?
Definitly a fake!
You can see the exact same one here:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/gretzky%20autopen/robcosta77/Hockey%20Autographs/Autographs149.jpg
I noticed something in my fav hobby shop this weekend. He was selling the same style of 'autograph' on a Gretzky card for $250. I have 3 Gret's IP so I have something to compare 100%. Should I tell this guy in the store, that's an autopen? yikes....
@ kc - You should definitely tell the card shop owner that he is selling autopenned Gretzky cards, and not real autographs.
Any reputable dealer would not want to sell fakes to a customer. It would ruin their relationship with that customer and potentially damage their business in the long run.
I think if you tell the shop owner--and show him the Gretzky image here and your 3 IP autos--he would be grateful.
Its an autopen. He hasnt signed TTM for many years now.
He still does sign TTM sometimes but you have to know the right address. The autograph that comes back is definitely not his autopen.
I have a photo of Wayne signed by Walter and Wayne, it says, To Terry, best wishes,Walter Gretzky & Wayne Gretzky. The signature is identical.
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