How Reliable Is This?

[Cliff Roberts]

Gene is absolutely correct, as any experienced collector can attest. For example, I've seen big bucks paid for playing cards from the 1800's, "shot through and signed" by Annie Oakley. The cards were authentic and had intrinsic value, but the signatures were counterfeit. On the other hand, all "Billy the Kid" wanted posters are worthless modern-day fakes - none were ever printed. The War Department did print posters offering rewards for Booth, Herold and Surratt, and Ford's Theater did hand out programs for the April 14, 1865, performance of "Our American Cousin," but don't expect to see an authentic original at a garage sale or offered on eBay; if you do, assume it's a fake unless proven otherwise. Faked posters and programs at least require some skill and artistry, but how hard is it to stick a piece of aged wood or a length of old rope in a frame and call it authentic? The key is using due diligence. It's one thing to be duped, another to be a dope!