MEARS to work with REA only in 2008

[Eric]

Wow, this is shocking. Auction houses had until today to contract MEARS for their services. In order to do so, they had to agree to certain disclosures including

"Disclosure of Ownership.

Open, Accountable, and Verifiable Bidding practices.

Public notification of any and all alterations, changes or modifications to products. "

Only one auction house- Robert Edward Auctions signed up. I am stunned.

Oh well, more work for Lampson and the 100% Authentic Team, (which is an authentication service, but isn't at the same time because they have no contact info, and there's something about it being just a way to track COAs blah blah blah.)

Auction houses, you have shown your true selves today....

Thumbs up to MEARS for making this statement and to Rob Lifson at REA for continually being an advocate of full disclosure.

Here is the story on mearsonline written by Dave Grob.

http://www.mearsonline.com/news/newsDetail.asp?id=336

Eric

[CollectGU]

Eric,

Why would the following auction houses all of a sudden sign up for MEARS when they've never used them for authentication before or cut ties with them long ago:

Grey Flannel
Lelands
American Memorabilia

To insinuate that these auction houses didn't sign for the reasons you posted is irresponsible on your part. I also liked in your post how you singled out one auction house that you've had a falling out with. Nothing like an objective forum adminstrator! How about first asking the auction houses why they didn't sign before you make assumptions.....

Regards,
Dave

[b.heagy]

Eric,

Why would the following auction houses all of a sudden sign up for MEARS when they've never used them for authentication before or cut ties with them long ago:

Grey Flannel
Lelands
American Memorabilia

To insinuate that these auction houses didn't sign for the reasons you posted is irresponsible on your part. I also liked in your post how you singled out one auction house that you've had a falling out with. Nothing like an objective forum adminstrator! How about first asking the auction houses why they didn't sign before you make assumptions.....

Regards,
Dave

I have read alot regarding authenticators on this forum. I see MEARS doing a great job. I have read many times where an item was unable to authenticate due to problems/questionable issues with particular pieces. I have never read that of Lou Lampson. Lou Lampson writes LOA's for just about anything under the sun and is more than likely alot cheaper. MEARS does professional work and with that professional work comes $ which = cost to auction house profit. See where I am going? In my opinion Eric is not taking an objective stand point. Expressing thoughts of his opinion.

[Eric]

To insinuate that these auction houses didn't sign for the reasons you posted is irresponsible on your part.

Dave-
If you want to talk about irresponsible, look at how you can't follow the rules of the forum. Take a moment and refresh yourself since you can't seem to remember.

I also liked in your post how you singled out one auction house that you've had a falling out with.

I haven't had a falling out with American Memorabilia. They decided they didn't want to hear about problems with the items they were selling, so they stopped returning my emails pointing out inconsistencies and went ahead banned Chris Cavalier, Rob Steinmetz and me from bidding in their auctions.

Wow, big penalty. And nice PR move!

Honestly Dave, your tone is getting tiresome. By the way, since you're so close with them, can you get me contact information for 40% Authentic?

American Memorabilia had nothing to do with my post. I was commending MEARS for asking for certain traits from the people who employ them.

Dave Grob has always worked for integrity in this hobby, and I wanted to give the guy credit.

In my opinion- which I am entitled to have, this is a good thing.
Eric

[CollectGU]

Dave-
If you want to talk about irresponsible, look at how you can't follow the rules of the forum. Take a moment and refresh yourself since you can't seem to remember.



I haven't had a falling out with American Memorabilia. They decided they didn't want to hear about problems with the items they were selling, so they stopped returning my emails pointing out inconsistencies and went ahead banned Chris Cavalier, Rob Steinmetz and me from bidding in their auctions.

Wow, big penalty. And nice PR move!

Honestly Dave, your tone is getting tiresome. By the way, since you're so close with them, can you get me contact information for 40% Authentic?

American Memorabilia had nothing to do with my post. I was commending MEARS for asking for certain traits from the people who employ them.

Dave Grob has always worked for integrity in this hobby, and I wanted to give the guy credit.

In my opinion- which I am entitled to have, this is a good thing.
Eric

Eric,

Thanks for the response (which really didn't offer much in the way of answer) Try not to trip over your feet as you backtrack from your original comments. Sorry about the tone, I'll work on it....

Reards,
Dave

[Eric]

Dave

You're a class act all the way! Not sure why you're trying to twist my words.

I'm standing behind my comments. I'm shocked that only one auction house would agree to MEARS' terms.

And yes, it will be mean more business for Lampson, which in my opinion given his track record, will introduce a lot garbage (expensive garbage) into the hobby.

Now anytime you'd like to share his contact information with the forum, we'd love to see it.

Eric

[Eric]

Eric,

Why would the following auction houses all of a sudden sign up for MEARS when they've never used them for authentication before or cut ties with them long ago:

Grey Flannel
Lelands
American Memorabilia

Another point to note is MEARS did do authenticating for Sotheby's, Hunt, Grey Flannel and others, in some cases just for big ticket items, but were not under contract with MEARS. Now, as I understand it, MEARS will no longer do this piece work unless the auction house signs the MEARS contract.

Eric

[jboosted92]

Another point to note is MEARS did do authenticating for Sotheby's, Hunt, Grey Flannel and others, in some cases just for big ticket items, but were not under contract with MEARS. Now, as I understand it, MEARS will no longer do this piece work unless the auction house signs the MEARS contract.

Eric

correct, but not in 2008. if they change there mind, (from what i get ) it wont be until 2009h

[RKGIBSON]

Personally, I cannot see why any auction house would let a authentication company dictate to them how to run their business.

I my opinion the entire authenication field is a joke, as it is all a matter of opinion unless there is documentation of some type or it is obtained direct. In both cases who need a company to say it is real.

The best I can understand MEARS rating system, they are only judging a item as to how its traits compares with a real, WHAT? I think the general thought is, A5 rating is a not real item, it only looks like a real one. How can you get a A10 with no provenace. I would think the top rating would be reserved for the best of the best. Look at some of the items they rate that are in auctions, they are no better than anyone else. These requirements are just another smoke screen to try and make people think they are different.

Roger

[RKGIBSON]

Oh yeah, the LT jersey that is in question in the auction section received a A8 rating from MEARS. It lost 2 point due to the tag being cut off. They claim a photo match to a 84 TOPPS card. I have that set and there is no match. Great work?

Roger