VSA Auctions ended last night

[truvalue123]

Anyone take a look at the auctions last night? A lot of interesting lots in there..a lot of jersey came with "understhirts"

[TwinLakesPark]

I was following many of the items, I thought the "long sleeve collection" was really interesting and some great jerseys. Several items should have gone for more, especially since they were all blessed by Dave M, just like a Goldin Auctions. The Michael Jordan items were FANTASTIC, as well as the Frank Thomas rookie jersey, all of which had great provenance. I really wish we knew more about the collector that unloaded all that stuff, that was a great collection.

On the "I didn't love so much" side, there were several batting helmets that just didn't line up (i.e., Bonds, Ripken Jr, Sheffield) and had things wrong with them.

Otherwise I thought that was an incredible lineup from a smaller auction house that clearly made a great deal with a big collector.

[Phil316]

I found lots of inconsistencies with VSA Auctions with not just the batting helmets but also the jersey's. That is why i stay away from VSA.

One example would be say the 2001 Ichiro. He wore a size 46-48 in 2001 at least the ones i have seen with an Ichiro COA. VSA's is a size 44. This is just one example of many.

[TwinLakesPark]

I found lots of inconsistencies with VSA Auctions with not just the batting helmets but also the jersey's. That is why i stay away from VSA.

One example would be say the 2001 Ichiro. He wore a size 46-48 in 2001 at least the ones i have seen with an Ichiro COA. VSA's is a size 44. This is just one example of many.

So I guess you are saying that Dave M. LOA's are not to be trusted?

[Phil316]

So I guess you are saying that Dave M. LOA's are not to be trusted?

I think if a jersey is bad it is bad. I tried emailing Dave to touch base and I asked him if he wrote COA'S for the jerseys (i have seen fake Dave M COAS)and if he was positive on his findings. He never emailed me back. Don't get me wrong I love Dave and he is full of knowledge. He has helped me confirm findings in the past.

[Phil316]

https://www.photobox.co.uk/my/photo/full?photo_id=500971783308

That was the email I sent.

[Phil316]

The last link never worked. Anyways here is the email to show i did attempt to reach out.



89228

[KGoldin]

I wanted to respond to the thinly veiled comments about Dave mediema and goldin aucfions posted by twin lakes
dave mediema comes to our office to authenticate
when he comes here, he has use of a light box, a black light, a research team, a computer, and the internet.
You. Need to ask him if when he goes to VSA or Others is he has that equipment, and therefore if the detail and accuracy is u to the same standards.
Unlike aucfion houses that say “no refunds, all sales final” Goldin Auctions will cancel a sale or accept a refund if it is proven he made an error in authentication for something we sold.

So keep the above in mind when comparing as it’s not apples to apples
thank you

[sox83cubs84]

Sorry, Phil, but I never got that email. I would have definitely answered if I had. The LOAs were compiled based on my information and analysis, printed with photos by Steve, and sent to me for review and signature before returning them, as is the case with most auction houses I do work for. If I'm wrong I'll admit it, but I am confident in what I signed off on here, as there were a number of items I didn't approve. Steve listened to my reasoning on the rejects, and did not pressure me to do an LOA on an item I wasn't comfortable with.

Dave Miedema

[Phil316]

Dave,

Did you inspect the jersey's in person ?

I consider myself VERY knowledgeable on Seattle based teams game worn/used/issued equipment and i have never seen a legit 2001 size 44 Ichiro game used jersey. Even the ones authenticated by Ichiro/Coast to Coast/Mill Creek are 46 and 48. I have held plenty of legit Ichiros.

I just feel like people take your LOA as final word. Now we have a few items that people spent big money on that are not what they think they are. That to me is not right. I don't think you did it on purpose either just to make that clear. Your one of the good guys i know that. Maybe that is why it bothers me so much.

If you care i can list the jersey's and the issues wrong or i can send them privately to your email.

[sox83cubs84]

They were inspected in person. If you have a list, feel free to email it to me.

Dave Miedema
sox83cubs84@hotmail.com

[Phil316]

Dave sent you an email please reply back so i know you got it.

[sox83cubs84]

I got it, although the link was some kind of ad, not the listing I was expecting.

Dave M.

[Phil316]

I got it, although the link was some kind of ad, not the listing I was expecting.

Dave M.

I was just making sure you where getting my emails. I sent you the email with about 7 or 8 bad jersey's and jackets.

[sox83cubs84]

Got it, and I sent you a response.

Dave M.

[Phil316]

Got it, and I sent you a response.

Dave M.

I did not get an email from you.

[sox83cubs84]

I'll try again in a little while.

Dave N,

[sox83cubs84]

Email was sent late Monday PM.

Dave M.

[yankees159]

Quick question? Is VSA auctions run by Steve Jensen, the same person that was found guilty of fraud by the FBI a few years ago? If this is the case, why would anyone bid on items or authenticate items from this auction house. If I am mistaken about this connection can someone please let me know.

[Phil316]

Quick question? Is VSA auctions run by Steve Jensen, the same person that was found guilty of fraud by the FBI a few years ago? If this is the case, why would anyone bid on items or authenticate items from this auction house. If I am mistaken about this connection can someone please let me know.

You are 100% correct about VSA and Jensen.

[Phil316]

Email was sent late Monday PM.

Dave M.

Yeah no email my address is phillipriddell AT hotmail.com. Lots of times people will miss a l or a p.

[sox83cubs84]

Looks like I have the email address OK. I just sent another one.

Dave M.

[Triple92459]

Please know that Vintage Sports Authentics and Steve Jensen made a wise move in bringing Dave Miedema on board for authentication.........or would you rather he resurrected Lou Lampson for the job?

-Walt

Tripleplay92459

[Phil316]

Looks like I have the email address OK. I just sent another one.

Dave M.

Dave no email not sure why you can try my alternate email phillipriddell@mail.com.

[sox83cubs84]

Phil:

The public PC that I'm working on (home PC gave out) isn't showing me any of the recent posts on this thread. Did you get the last email?

Dave M.

[sox83cubs84]

Making this post just allowed me to view the last few. I'll try the other one. Thanks.

Dave M.

[Phil316]

Making this post just allowed me to view the last few. I'll try the other one. Thanks.

Dave M.

Got it. Thanks

[sox83cubs84]

The alternative email worked fine.

Dave M.

[Phil316]

After speaking with Dave i have grown to respect the authentication process and how tricky it can be. Many factors play a part. Unlike us collectors who can spend hours looking for that photo-match, the people who authenticate do not have hours to spend on that one item when they have 500 other items or more to authenticate. We also do not see or know how many got rejected.

I just want to close out this thread by saying i have communicated my finding's with Dave. Dave addressed mine and others issues and i am sure will take the appropriate actions.

I have called out a few authenticator's before and Dave was the only one that communicates and actually addresses concerns. That says alot about a person's character.

Phil

[jojac]

A lot of people ask what's wrong lately with the forum and this post is the perfect example of part of the problem. One guy questions some items and then all we get is few days of banter going back and fourth about how hard it is to receive emails from each other. It would have been nice and educational for us if you guys would have shared some details. Bottom line is that after some initial questions about a few PSA certified items all we got was back pedaling with a few kisses blown in Daves direction.

[Phil316]

A lot of people ask what's wrong lately with the forum and this post is the perfect example of part of the problem. One guy questions some items and then all we get is few days of banter going back and fourth about how hard it is to receive emails from each other. It would have been nice and educational for us if you guys would have shared some details. Bottom line is that after some initial questions about a few PSA certified items all we got was back pedaling with a few kisses blown in Daves direction.

No kisses blown, straight lips lol. In all seriousness I wanted to give Dave a chance to respond. I work for King County corrections and had a lot of hours to put in this week. I did not have time to post a huge long explanation for all to see. It was easier to speak with Dave privately.

I have no problem posting some examples if you would like to see. Let me know.

[jojac]

Gee Whiz.....Thank you so much!!! I'll think about and "Let You Know".

[Phil316]

Here is the Lasorda jacket offered in VSA http://vsaauctions.com/Tom_Lasorda_c__Late_1970_s_Early_1980_s_Los_Angele-LOT26569.aspx

Here is the Lasorda that was customized by Bill Henderson 892408924189242

Here is the Phillies Steve Carlton Jacket on VSA http://vsaauctions.com/Steve_Carlton_c__1980_s_Philadelphia_Phillies_Game-LOT26940.aspx

Here is the Carlton that was customized by Bill Henderson 8924389244

A former member of GUU has been in contact with Bill Henderson. I guess there is more that Bill did in that auction as well. None of these where consigned by Bill Henderson.

Then we have the 2001 Ichiro that is not authentic, he did not wear a size 44 while with the Mariners. I was also in contact with another Mariners collector and suspect some of the other more current Mariners jerseys, under shirts and helmets.

[truvalue123]

and many more...

[sox83cubs84]

Thank you Phil. i will say, also, that it is gratifying to see knowledgeable collector who care as well, and can communicate their concerns fairly and not turn it into an exercise in demonization. Your approach is appreciated, Phil...feel free to give me a holler any time.

Dave M.

[jojac]

Phil, Thank you for sharing. The Bill Henderson connection is very interesting and not something I was aware of.
also,
Dave M ........Your help here is always helpful and appreciated.

[Phil316]

Phil, Thank you for sharing. The Bill Henderson connection is very interesting and not something I was aware of.

if you have Facebook follow Bill. It’s very interesting what he does. He posts pics almost daily of before and after pics.

Bill had no idea his items he was doing for people where in the auction.

[truvalue123]

Wow, it is scary. what Bill does...he can probably remember what his work is..he and Dave should really link up...

[sox83cubs84]

I'd be open to that, as well.

Dave M.

[memorabiliaunlimited]

anyone else think that modifying time specific pieces to include a players name where one didnt exist shouldnt be done OR something should be done to the item afterwards so it cannot be misrepresented in the future? it just creates these types of issues. i never understood changing or adding to something that is vintage - just leave it be. my 2 cents.

[Phil316]

Wow, it is scary. what Bill does...he can probably remember what his work is..he and Dave should really link up...


anyone else think that modifying time specific pieces to include a players name where one didnt exist shouldnt be done OR something should be done to the item afterwards so it cannot be misrepresented in the future? it just creates these types of issues. i never understood changing or adding to something that is vintage - just leave it be. my 2 cents.

I had this very same conversation with another person. I was told that some restoration/customizing experts use some kind of marking left behind so if something like this happens it can be traced. Not sure exactly what they use.

I agree though. I don't mind jersey restoration to bring an item back to its original form. However when you are creating or changing a jersey to something different you are opening the door to this kind of stuff. Even if your intentions are good. All it takes is one bad person to do this.

[jojac]

Using something like a fluorescent identifier that would show up under black light on customized jerseys would make a lot of sense unless you're purposely out to fool someone.
As far as vintage jerseys go, I totally agree with leaving it be.

[truvalue123]

a couple of very bad people at least

[TwinLakesPark]

The million dollar question is, who was the consignor? I know the consignor is from Florida, but I couldn't get any more information than that. This would give Steve a great opportunity to join this board and maybe discuss how he plans to address this.

The Barry Bonds Giants helmet and Cal Ripken Jr. helmet were also not good.

[truvalue123]

VSA knows who the consignor is...

[Phil316]

I just hope VSA does the right thing. Steve has a chance to redeem himself.

[TNTtoys]

The Barry Bonds Giants helmet and Cal Ripken Jr. helmet were also not good.

You can also add the 2001 Mike Piazza All-Star Game jersey to the list.

Photos from Getty Images clearly show that the auctioned jersey is not the one worn that was worn in the game.

[truvalue123]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/iteam/minnesota-sports-memorabilia-dealer-steve-jensen-reacts-fraud-sentence-blog-entry-1.1632442

[1929tudor]

Is all this talk about the auction that just ended a few weeks ago?

[sox83cubs84]

testing 1..2..3

[truvalue123]

yes this thread is about the auction that ended 8/9...suppose it should have gone on during the auction, but, better late than never

[1929tudor]

Thats what I thought it was that auction. What about the Griffey items in that auction? Look real or questionable?

[truvalue123]

testing 1 2 3

[sox83cubs84]

FTR, this odd post was due to the public PC I was on at the time not allowing me to see the most recent posts on the thread. I made a new post (that one) to ensure that I could see the most recent entries on the thread. There was no hidden message or other thought to decipher.

Dave M.

[sox83cubs84]

That post being the "testing" one.

DM

[truvalue123]

was hoping there was some message...merchandise from this auction is beginning to be resold..

[Phil316]

All we can do is let Steve at VSA know what went on. Bill Henderson advised Steve as well. Ultimately it is the auction house who is responsible. VSA knows who the consignor is. That being said with the potential of a federal case I doubt anyone will comment directly.

[truvalue123]

hope no one else has this thief's consignments..they continue to sell on other channels