[MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was *NOT* them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to * http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ *http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
Well, this is an unfortunate episode. I do hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, but let's remember that in America, one is innocent until proven guilty. Just because someone is named as a defendent in a lawsuit doesn't mean that he is guilty. Let's see how it all plays out. RDB Richard Del Belso Date: Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:31:31 -0500 From: brucehershen...@gmail.com Subject: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was NOT them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
Thanks Bruce! Check out our shop video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-n2AznLA8o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCP7PaO-2tkfeature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fojAZcbvL7Efeature=related jim episale Unshredded Nostalgia 323 South main St. Route 9 Barnegat, N.J. 08005 800-872-9990 609-660-2626 Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. -Original Message- From: MoPo List [mailto:mop...@listserv.american.edu] On Behalf Of Bruce Hershenson Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2009 2:32 PM To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Subject: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was NOT them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id- 242141/ http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id -242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
well I guess it's obvious that the name in the lawsuit is Jaime Mendez John/Jane Doe probably refers to people working in Jaime's studio it's a dark day when top collector and a top restorer get together to perpetrate a fraud for what seems to be well in excess of a million bucks across a small hobby I wonder when teh FBI is going to bring criminal charges Rich At 11:31 AM 8/29/2009, Bruce Hershenson wrote: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was NOT them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
Wow! this is really chilling. I just looked at the lawsuit and googled Kerry Haggard. On seeing his picture I think I've met Haggard last year at Jaime Mendez' studio when I picked up a few posters that JM Studio restored for me while I was on holidays in the US. As I don't know a lot of people I combined my trip with a few visits to pick up stuff I sent from Europe, so to meet the people who I was dealing with. I have to state explicitly that I'm not sure it was KH, but I met this guy who was working with a steamer to peel of old layers from a sixsheet Universal horror poster. He told me he always liked to be there himself when his stuff was restored so that the could discuss and monitor the kind of work to be done himself in setad of emailing and phoning back and forth. I didn't quite catch his name and we were only there for a short time, because the rental car with all our stuff was outside and we had to go our hotel in San Diego. Having said that he was introduced as someone who was in the Jim Gresham league of collecting. I once bought a Invisible Man Realart card from JIm, so that's why I mentioned his name. I am now wondering if I was at the scene of the alleged crime. I certainly hope not as I really liked Jaime Mendez and the people who working there. Wim Op 29 aug 2009, om 20:31 heeft Bruce Hershenson het volgende geschreven: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was NOT them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
Just found a second, older filing against Kerry at http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-cacdce/case_no-2:2009cv05154/case_id-449339/ . This getting to be like Watergate. For better or for worse, yes, let's get this all out in the daylight. While I agree one is innocent until proven guilty, this appears to be another in series of depressing wake-up calls for me regarding this hobby that has brought me so much joy during the last 47 years. I did not know Jaime well, but I knew him, since I live in the north county area of San Diego, which has turned into Ground Zero for talented restorers. I met Jaime when he worked with Joe Hernandez. Hernandez was always great to me, and I was a bit of a pest, always hanging around gaping at the amazing work being done at his old studio on Seagaze in Oceanside. Hernandez took me around, introduced me to the artists, and let me watch them work their magic on posters I could never afford in a million years. It was a gracious thing to do, and it was a sad day for me when the rumors I started hearing about him turned out to be factual. I really, really liked Eugene Hughes, a funny, personable guy. He's still a great guy to talk to, but he screwed up horribly, and still needs to take responsibility for his actions and make amends to the people he ripped off. Hughes was a black eye for the restoration community, but THIS situation, just in it implications... and, yes, again, I know nothing has been proven... brings a whole new dimension of premeditated greed and blatant criminality into the mix. I expect this kind of behavior from the scumbuckets in the music business, where I have toiled for decades, but this really pisses me off. Greg Douglass Bruce Hershenson wrote: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was *NOT* them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to *http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/* and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
*Up until late last night I had a few fellow friends and collectors email/asking me for a name. So I am glad it is now out in the open as I kindly refused to name that name. Trust me it was and still are a shocker for me. I know I know, innocent until proven guilty, but I still strongly suggest that anyone that publicly endorse their site in some shape or form ( link, accolade, testimonials) Might want to consider removing such until it is all cleared. I would hate to find out that someone road off in to the sunset with a suitcase of posters. End of the day, I hope this is just a silly nightmare and Jamie is cool and we can all get back to posters. So I hope. Best, dario. * Bruce Hershenson wrote: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was *NOT* them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to *http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/* and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
Dario, you bring up an interesting point I had not thought of. What if someone involved in this as a restorer is arrested? Will all the posters in that person's possession be seized as evidence? How long before those posters are released, and what if the person who sent the posters to the restorer does not have a printed signed receipt from the restorer, and the restorer claims the posters as their own property? For that matter, what if an auction house is closed down over this? What will happen to items on consignment at that auction house? These questions are not far-fetched. We all know of several restorers who vanished in the past several years, taking their customers' property with them, and few ever got their posters back or restitution of any kind. And just a few months ago, Mastro Auctions, the number one sports memorabilia auction in the world, was closed in the midst of an FBI investigation into fraud allegations. These are just two of many aftershocks that may be felt from this earthquake. It is reasons like these why this matter is so important. In just three months I *HAD* intended to hold my Winter Mini/Major auction, with mostly linenbacked posters. Even though I have *NEVER* sold a single fraudulent restored poster, and even though I have *NEVER* used the restorer in question, and even though I have *NEVER* had a single consignment from the sellers named thus far, I still must wonder whether the ripples from this scandal won't come back on me. My position is that we all need to find out exactly who was involved in this (my gut feeling is that no more than a dozen dealers, auction houses and restorers combined were involved, and possibly far fewer than that), so that the other 99.9% completely uninvolved rest of the hobby will not be tainted by it in any way. And certainly everyone with any kind of collection needs to care, because if this isn't completely exposed, then the resale value of all posters will surely be affected. If we can determine that this matter was perpetrated by a very few people, and that no one else was involved, then the damage to the hobby will be greatly contained just by those facts alone. Bruce On Sat, Aug 29, 2009 at 5:17 PM, Dario Casadei m...@vintagemovieart.cawrote: *Up until late last night I had a few fellow friends and collectors email/asking me for a name. So I am glad it is now out in the open as I kindly refused to name that name. Trust me it was and still are a shocker for me. I know I know, innocent until proven guilty, but I still strongly suggest that anyone that publicly endorse their site in some shape or form ( link, accolade, testimonials) Might want to consider removing such until it is all cleared. I would hate to find out that someone road off in to the sunset with a suitcase of posters. End of the day, I hope this is just a silly nightmare and Jamie is cool and we can all get back to posters. So I hope. Best, dario. * Bruce Hershenson wrote: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was *NOT* them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to * http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ *http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known, even those who had a relatively minor involvement (like dealers or auction houses which unknowingly acted as middlemen in the sale of some of these fakes) will surely find that having the truth out there will be better than waiting for it to be dragged out over a period of months. I am so happy this matter is not being mishandled as the minty whites were (where no one did anything), which resulted in the criminals never being brought to justice, thousands of collectors being defrauded of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, and a black cloud hanging over the hobby to this day. Let us all learn from that giant mistake and not put our heads in the sand and hope this will just go away, because if we do that, our entire hobby will suffer greatly. Bruce Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
Just to stretch things a little. Is it possible that a collector could send a very valuable poster or lobby card to a restorer and end up being sent a fake in return while the restorer keeps the original. From what I can gather the fakes are so good that it is unlikely anyone would be able to tell the difference. Sign up for my regular newsletter on movie memorabilia: http://www.moviemem.com/pages/page.php?mod=accountgo=register Visit my Website: www.moviemem.com All About Australian posters: http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/johnwr_W0QQuqtZg My eBay Store and Lisitngs: http://myworld.ebay.com/johnwr/ Exhibitions: http://www.moviemem.com/pages/page.php?page=15 JOHN REID VINTAGE MOVIE MEMORABILIA PO Box 92 Palm Beach Qld 4221 Australia - Original Message - From: Bruce Hershenson To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:02 AM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over Dario, you bring up an interesting point I had not thought of. What if someone involved in this as a restorer is arrested? Will all the posters in that person's possession be seized as evidence? How long before those posters are released, and what if the person who sent the posters to the restorer does not have a printed signed receipt from the restorer, and the restorer claims the posters as their own property? For that matter, what if an auction house is closed down over this? What will happen to items on consignment at that auction house? These questions are not far-fetched. We all know of several restorers who vanished in the past several years, taking their customers' property with them, and few ever got their posters back or restitution of any kind. And just a few months ago, Mastro Auctions, the number one sports memorabilia auction in the world, was closed in the midst of an FBI investigation into fraud allegations. These are just two of many aftershocks that may be felt from this earthquake. It is reasons like these why this matter is so important. In just three months I HAD intended to hold my Winter Mini/Major auction, with mostly linenbacked posters. Even though I have NEVER sold a single fraudulent restored poster, and even though I have NEVER used the restorer in question, and even though I have NEVER had a single consignment from the sellers named thus far, I still must wonder whether the ripples from this scandal won't come back on me. My position is that we all need to find out exactly who was involved in this (my gut feeling is that no more than a dozen dealers, auction houses and restorers combined were involved, and possibly far fewer than that), so that the other 99.9% completely uninvolved rest of the hobby will not be tainted by it in any way. And certainly everyone with any kind of collection needs to care, because if this isn't completely exposed, then the resale value of all posters will surely be affected. If we can determine that this matter was perpetrated by a very few people, and that no one else was involved, then the damage to the hobby will be greatly contained just by those facts alone. Bruce On Sat, Aug 29, 2009 at 5:17 PM, Dario Casadei m...@vintagemovieart.ca wrote: Up until late last night I had a few fellow friends and collectors email/asking me for a name. So I am glad it is now out in the open as I kindly refused to name that name. Trust me it was and still are a shocker for me. I know I know, innocent until proven guilty, but I still strongly suggest that anyone that publicly endorse their site in some shape or form ( link, accolade, testimonials) Might want to consider removing such until it is all cleared. I would hate to find out that someone road off in to the sunset with a suitcase of posters. End of the day, I hope this is just a silly nightmare and Jamie is cool and we can all get back to posters. So I hope. Best, dario. Bruce Hershenson wrote: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was NOT them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/ and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over
Re: [MOPO] Some of the speculation is over
*Hi Bruce, I have a hunch that is is a small gang criminals and not that wide spread, just a couple of guys and a restorer and possible a staff or two. Hi John Reid, *Just to stretch things a little. Is it possible that a collector could send a very valuable poster or lobby card to a restorer and end up being sent a fake in return while the restorer keeps the original. From what I can gather the fakes are so good that it is unlikely anyone would be able to tell the difference. * That is a scary though, but not impossible. These day there is so much more involved than just a talent hand. Find yourself a good restorer, establish a loyal trustworthy long term relationship. That is worth just as much or even more than a perfect color match. Best, dario. * Bruce Hershenson wrote: Dario, you bring up an interesting point I had not thought of. What if someone involved in this as a restorer is arrested? Will all the posters in that person's possession be seized as evidence? How long before those posters are released, and what if the person who sent the posters to the restorer does not have a printed signed receipt from the restorer, and the restorer claims the posters as their own property? For that matter, what if an auction house is closed down over this? What will happen to items on consignment at that auction house? These questions are not far-fetched. We all know of several restorers who vanished in the past several years, taking their customers' property with them, and few ever got their posters back or restitution of any kind. And just a few months ago, Mastro Auctions, the number one sports memorabilia auction in the world, was closed in the midst of an FBI investigation into fraud allegations. These are just two of many aftershocks that may be felt from this earthquake. It is reasons like these why this matter is so important. In just three months I *HAD* intended to hold my Winter Mini/Major auction, with mostly linenbacked posters. Even though I have *NEVER* sold a single fraudulent restored poster, and even though I have *NEVER* used the restorer in question, and even though I have *NEVER* had a single consignment from the sellers named thus far, I still must wonder whether the ripples from this scandal won't come back on me. My position is that we all need to find out exactly who was involved in this (my gut feeling is that no more than a dozen dealers, auction houses and restorers combined were involved, and possibly far fewer than that), so that the other 99.9% completely uninvolved rest of the hobby will not be tainted by it in any way. And certainly everyone with any kind of collection needs to care, because if this isn't completely exposed, then the resale value of all posters will surely be affected. If we can determine that this matter was perpetrated by a very few people, and that no one else was involved, then the damage to the hobby will be greatly contained just by those facts alone. Bruce On Sat, Aug 29, 2009 at 5:17 PM, Dario Casadei m...@vintagemovieart.ca mailto:m...@vintagemovieart.ca wrote: *Up until late last night I had a few fellow friends and collectors email/asking me for a name. So I am glad it is now out in the open as I kindly refused to name that name. Trust me it was and still are a shocker for me. I know I know, innocent until proven guilty, but I still strongly suggest that anyone that publicly endorse their site in some shape or form ( link, accolade, testimonials) Might want to consider removing such until it is all cleared. I would hate to find out that someone road off in to the sunset with a suitcase of posters. End of the day, I hope this is just a silly nightmare and Jamie is cool and we can all get back to posters. So I hope. Best, dario. * Bruce Hershenson wrote: There has been much private speculation on the part of many collectors as to which restorer allegedly created the fakes which defrauded so many people, including most major Universal horror collectors. And those who have known who it was have continued to refuse to name that person, forcing some people to publically announce it was *NOT* them, to keep their good names clear. These days, lawsuits are not filed with paper, but they are also filed electronically, and they are available for public view. Go to *http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-miedce/case_no-2:2009cv13405/case_id-242141/* and see the lawsuit that was filed two days ago, which names some names (but it also includes a John Doe and a Jane Doe, which means that more names will be forthcoming). I wish those involved in this would simply tell exactly what happened, so that the air can be cleared, and all honest dealers, restorers, and auction houses will no longer have a cloud over their heads. Once the truth is known,
