Is this really the autograph of Miles Davis?

January 31, 2011 7:18 AM

Is this really signed by Miles Davis, as indicated by the certificate of authenticity on the back?

Here's the signature side.

And here's the certificate.

I could make that certificate in about five minutes. The stamp is a raised, "real" feeling, stamp.

Is there anything in the wording, the certificate style, the signature itself or any other element of this item that would suggest that it is real or fake?

I got it as a gift. I don't know where it was purchased or how much it cost (but I think it was a lot).

posted by crapples to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (8 answers total)

Considering that a search for ""global entertainment and memorabilia" turns up zero results, I'm pretty sure this is as shady as it gets. For a company that supposedly has worldwide offices, they sure keep a low profile. Also, a google images search for Davis's autograph shows signatures that are pretty wildly different from this one.
Sorry, I'm not an expert, but I'd say this is a fake.
posted by cosmicbandito at 7:44 AM on January 31, 2011

I can't imagine making a certificate of authenticity and not including an item description or a registration or catalog number, and a quick search for "certificate of authenticity memorabilia" shows that's what is usually done.
posted by hydrophonic at 7:49 AM on January 31, 2011

A quick Google for image of Miles' signature/autograph shows a wide range of styles, so "Yes...No...Maybe." On the other hand, as has been pointed out, that certificate is über-sketchy. Any actual certificate should provide a bit more information...like the date on which the signature was provided, for instance.

Of course, the problem with all "collectibles" is that everything about them can be faked, and few people have the wherewithal to figure it out. That sketchy certificate is just bad enough to make me also wonder if it isn't legitimate, since, if I were running a fraud, I'd make that thing look as "official" as possible.

You need to find an actual authentication service to figure this one out.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:12 AM on January 31, 2011

Response by poster: All three, good points. I'm inclined to think it's a fake. Too bad. I hope he didn't spend too much money on it. Thanks for thinking through this with me.
posted by crapples at 9:31 AM on January 31, 2011

I really can't imagine a legit firm slapping on a sticker that says "EXCELLENCE" on it. That's what you get on your certificate for Most Improved Trombone Player in the elementary school band, not what you get to certify some expensive collectible.
posted by cmonkey at 9:47 AM on January 31, 2011

Googling "Global Entertainment & Memorabilia, Inc" comes up with nothing. Literally nothing.

Just looking at that 'certificate' which has no address (despite having several international locations) already looks bad. But the simple fact that there is no website which corresponds with the authenticator pretty much seals the deal in my eyes.

FAKE.
posted by darkgroove at 10:43 AM on January 31, 2011

I made a pretend gold disc for a friend's 50th birthday and did a fake signature and authentication sticker for the back (it was very obviously a gag) -- but my authentication sticker looked way more professional than that!

"Hollywood, Paris, and London" and there's zero web presence whatsoever? Big red flag.
posted by vickyverky at 11:42 AM on January 31, 2011

and there's no date on it, which I'm sure music historians would jump on.

Maybe some other guy called Miles Davis signed it -- so technically it's authentic!
posted by vickyverky at 11:44 AM on January 31, 2011