Al Wittnebert Autographs UNCLE AL's Time Capsule PSA DNA Declares this Dealer is a Fraud MOUNT DOR, Florida

 PSA DNA online opinions are nothing less than a very bad joke. The joke is on honest dealers. 

This report is completely tainted because from experience I know for a fact that PSA DNA is not as they represent themselves and the online opinion is less reliable than a coin toss. How can anyone make any type of examination from a distorted online image. These "ONLINE OPINIONS" are done in minutes and for ten bucks ! That is not much time spent at all. The only winner is PSA DNA because they are really raking in the cash here ! And defaming honest people in the process !!!

In September 2011,  I sold a book on eBay signed by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, "MEN FROM EARTH". First ed., first , Bantam Books, 1989 , signed in blue. This book was signed in front of me in Florida. I sold the book for $ 55. , the buyer paid me via Paypal. After I shipped the book, the buyer got a PSA DNA "Quick Opinion" and PSA gave the book a negative report and stated it was not authentic, this based upon an ONLINE inspection. PSA DNA charges $ 8. for the so-called "SERVICE" on eBay (and it charges $ 10 for opinions off dealer web sites).
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My buyer immediatly filed a SNAD report. Per eBay's counterfeit policy, the buyer is not required to return an item if that item is determined to be counterfeit,fake,forged or otherwise not as described. I lost the SNAD case, eBay not only took the payment out of my PAYPAL account and they returned it to the buyer, BUT the buyer kept the bookas well as getting the refund from me.

Recently, this book resurfaced and was sold on R&R AUTOGRAPH AUCTIONS. It was the exact same book that I sold on eBay. It had a rectangular sticker remnant on the top right portion of corner ,significantly effect the "69" in the title. Lower left , a round sticker indicating this was part of a book signing event .  Signed in Blue Ink.  This was indeed the book I sold.

"Item 640 - Buzz Aldrin Catalog 404 (Mar 2013)    ..   From Earth[sic] . First edition, first printing. NY: Bantam Books, 1989. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6.5 x 9.5, 312 pages. Signed on the half-title page in blue felt tip. General wear and two labels affixed to dust jacket, and a clipped price, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

PSA DNA was WRONG, I knew this because it was signed in front of me.  R&R AUTOGRAPH AUCTIONS had Steven Zarelli authenticate it, and he found no problems with it apparently, the book sold for $ 129.
eBay needs to change it's policy and buyers should be required to RETURN ALL ITEMs for refund REGARDLESS of the reason.

I can't in good contous blame R&R Auction, as they had no idea. I did send a email to R&R but heard nothing back. My email might be in RRs spam folder because I am not on their customer list. They get high prices and back twelve years ago they had a very mouthy woman working for them, so I have not bought from them in over a decade.

 EBAY has unfair policies aimed at harming it's sellers. PSA DNA is incompetant and eBay and every autograph dealer worth his salt needs to reject PSA DNA. It is a damn shame that inexperienced collectors rely on PSA instead of educating themselves. PSA has done a remarkable job promoting themselves but that is where the competance ends.

I find this report quite interesting.  I paid more than a thousand dollars for an Abraham Lincoln autographed letter off ebay based on a PSA DNA Online Opinion.  The item turned out to  printed and not a real hand written letter. PSA DNA charged me for the initial online opinion and took my money again when I sent it in for a COA.  I was unable to file a complaint with ebay to get me any type of refund because the entire process of sending the Lincoln to PSA DNA and waiting for its return took me beyong the 45 day window set by ebay.

The original report is based on PSA DNA's online authentications that took place. PSA DNA is considered the "Final Word" on authentication by most people these days. The original Poster did post his/or her name as being Jamie Harris .  The person is not hiding . I am not saying PSA DNA is correct or incorrect , but if your items were questioned by a knowledgeable authority then such a report would prevent the sale of non authentic autographs to naive customers.

If online authentication is not reliable then PSA DNA should not be offering such a service. I relied on this service and ended up losing a small fortune based on the result of an expert opinion. This autograph dealer "Uncle Al" has either been defamed based on a PSA DNA online expert's opinion, or someone at PSA DNA found something to be inaccurate.

I can do a google search on PSA DNA and find many complaints (not just ROR) but auction bytes, Signature Arts, Hauls Of Shame, and others.  I can't honestly say anything good or bad about "Uncle Al" , but authenticators should be licensed or be made to have some measured test that proves that they are reliable. I personally was not pleased with the services of PSA DNA and I would never buy an autograph ever again because I think autographs are a great way to get swindled. I also doubt that any autograph dealer or authenticator even has any clue at all.

It seems a bit bizarre that I have to defend myself to an unnamed coward who wants to libel me and my reputation.

If you are going to make these type of accusations, at least be brave enough to sign your name to it.

For the record I have been involved in the autograph business for over 40 years. (PSA since 1998) and in that time I have written over 100 articles on autograph authentication, been hired as expert witness by a number of respectable agencies including Homeland Security and the Marshall's Service. I have sat as a executive on the board of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club since 1985 and have written and taught my course on Basic Autograph Collecting around the world since 1995.

There is not a member of PSA's authentication staff I can not go toe to toe with credential wise.
As to quick opinions, these are done using scans. There is not a court in the land that would accept that practice. Examining the item in person and studying the signature and materials involved is the only accepted way to assure authenticity.

It should be noted this person never bought a thing from me and yet feels wronged. Go figure.