How Can You Tell if Sports Memorabilia is Real or Fake?

If you're considering purchasing authentic sports memorabilia Trussville, AL, you want to make sure that it's the real deal. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fakes out there. Here are a few things to look for when you're trying to determine if sports memorabilia is real or fake:

Look at the Autograph

Is it signed in a Sharpie or other permanent marker? If so, that's a good sign. If the autograph is signed in pencil, it's more likely to be fake. You should also look at the quality of the autograph. Is it neat and legible, or does it look like a scribble? Then, compare the autograph to known examples of that person's signature. If it matches, the chances are good that it's real.

Check for a Certificate of Authenticity

This document should be provided by the seller and should include information about the item, as well as the seller's contact information. But don't stop there- contact the seller to make sure that the certificate is legitimate for your peace of mind.

Do Some Research

Find out how much similar items have sold for in the past. This will give you a good idea of what the item is actually worth. If the seller is asking way more than the market value, that's a red flag.

When in doubt, consult an expert. There are companies that will authenticate sports memorabilia for a fee. If you're not sure about an item, it's worth it to pay for authentication.

Look for Watermarks on Photographs

Many times, fake autographs will be printed on photocopies of photographs. Watermarks can help you determine if a photograph is real or fake. All you have to do is hold the photograph up to the light and look for a watermark. If there is one, it's likely that the autograph is real.

Inspect the Quality of the Item

If you're looking at a jersey, for example, is it made of cheap fabric? If so, it's probably a fake. Authentic jerseys are made of high-quality fabric and stitching. Aside from that, make sure to look for any misspellings or incorrect names. If you see any, don't buy the item.

Be Cautious of Sellers with Multiple Items

If a seller has more than one of the same items, it's likely that the memorabilia is fake. After all, it would be pretty unlikely for a seller to have multiple copies of an item that's signed by a famous athlete.

Beware of Items that are Sold Pre-Certified

This means that the item has been authenticated by a third party, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the authentication is legitimate. So, even if an item is sold pre-certified, you should still do your own research to make sure it's the real deal.

Beware of Stamps and Autopens

Many times, fake autographs will be made using a stamp or an autopen. To spot a stamp, look for any smudging around the autograph. If it looks like the ink has been applied in a uniform way, it's probably a stamp. As for autopens, they tend to have perfect, uniform signatures. So, if an autograph looks too perfect, it could be fake.

Looking for Authentic Sports Memorabilia Trussville, AL? War Bama Memorabilia Has You Covered! 

If you're looking for authentic sports memorabilia in Trussville, AL, don't search further than War Bama Memorabilia. They offer a wide variety of autographed sports memorabilia, including jerseys, footballs, helmets, and more. Plus, their team of experts can help you authenticate any items you're not sure about. Visit their website or give them a call today to learn more!