1974 The Carpenters 'I Won't Last A Day Without You' 45 record, signed by Richard and Karen Carpenter. Inscription by Karen reads "Hi! You're terrific! Love, Karen Carpenter"
Please see photos for detail and message with any questions.
Returns
If you are not happy with one of our items for any reason, you may open a return within the allotted 30 day window provided by , with no questions asked.
Regarding Provenance
• This item is from the private collection of a lifelong collector from London who collected an archive of both music and film signed memorabilia. Through her (media related) profession, she knew the scheduling of incoming stars and had direct access. As they passed through, she would politely ask for an autograph with their latest release in hand.
• For many music related items, she would go by Top Of The Pops Studios on her way home from work (knowing who would be there), again with their latest release in hand to be signed. She was also close friends with promoters and/or management for most of the venues in the greater London area, allowing her access at concerts and major music events.
• For film related items, many of the autographs were obtained at Leicester Square during promotional events and premieres for new film releases.
• She also regularly attended local charity sales in London, including Centrepoint, which she and her husband faithfully supported through the years.
• In addition, a major portion of the collection was acquired from a close friend in Japan who worked directly for high up executives at Sony Group (including Pres. Toshio Ozawa). Over her friend's 40 plus year career, she amassed thousands of original signed (Japanese) entertainment memorabilia items, through the major studios.
The above background information has been provided to establish provenance. For many items, further provenance may be available upon request, including date and location of signings.
Regarding Authenticity
This item is authentically hand signed by the individual(s) listed above. Should the authenticity of this item ever be called into question, we provide a lifetime Letter Of Authenticity, including an image of the item, as well as our personal information.
About Us
We have been dealing in autographs for more than 30 years, having owned and operated a Sportscard/Comic and Memorabilia store near Atlanta for 6 years, where it was our day to day business to know autographs. We have another account with more than 5000 response which we've sold from since 2000. But for the sake of provenance, we use the topshelfautographs account solely for items from this collection. If you would like any additional information about us regarding our previous autograph related history, or the collection itself, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Regarding Third Party Authentication
There is a long known history of third party authentication companies denying the items of certain sellers based solely on the seller's identity, with little or nothing to do with the actual signatures of their items. In 2015, these companies were taken to federal court (Mueller/Deedle Antitrust Lawsuit) for this very thing, while being charged with operating as a cartel to boost their own market presence. The case never made it to trial because the authenticators were "only providing their opinion", while making no guarantees regarding the results of their findings. Since then, it has been business as usual for the 'expert opinionators'. Now it is to the point that if they say “no good”, that’s it, nobody wants it. This would not be so bad, if their findings were based in fact (or real forensics) rather than 'opinion'. Part of the problem is, there is no transparency regarding their findings, and no standard in place requiring accountability on their part. While the most obvious problem is that they are all involved in the buying and selling of autographs, with some selling items on their own websites. It should not even have to be stated, what a HUGE conflict of interest this is. In the past, this would be known as “the fox guarding the henhouse”. As a result, they have continued operating just as they did in 2015, with little or no need to answer for their conduct. And in case you are not familiar with how a cartel operates, it is generally associated with 'collusion' and 'restricting of free trade', while 'limiting competition' to ultimately increase pricing for a 'specific product'. One of the ways they have accomplished this is by their 'Quick Opinion Service'. It is estimated that more than 90% of all quick opinions come back as 'likely not genuine'. This is key for opinionators, however, as it accomplishes several key elements toward their end goal:
-It affects the seller's ability to sell their 'product' (restricting of free trade)
-It helps eliminate competition (sound familiar?)
-It helps keep their certified items at a market premium (increase pricing for their ‘product’)
Not to mention, they are getting paid well to do it ( historical data alone shows a few dozen to a hundred-plus requests daily, at $15/per).
Genius, right? But ethical??
An atmosphere of fear has been created within the hobby, convincing the average collector that if an item is not certified by one of these companies, it must be considered fake. Thus, many ascribe authenticity to an item only once it has been 'authenticated' by a third party. And while we understand and agree with the need for an objective evaluation that is based in fact regarding a signature, we do not agree that it should fall to the 'opinion' of those known to be involved in the buying and selling of the same items they are being paid to render an opinion for. This only leads to more corruption within the hobby. And why would we accept one type of corruption to prevent another? It is still corruption. Most importantly, an item is authentic because the autograph is genuine, not because someone says so on a piece of paper. So, instead of relying on the 'opinions' of those who are known to be deeply invested in the hobby, we encourage everyone to do their own research. And with all of the known comps available online today, it makes no sense that someone would not take time to carefully compare a signature for themselves when considering an autograph. Of course, there is still knowing the provenance (or background) of an item, while knowing the seller you are dealing with, and their history, etc... These are all good ways to protect yourself from fraud without paying someone else to do it (or not do it).
With all of this being said, we stand behind every item we sell for the lifetime of our customers. But the 'opinion' of companies (or individuals) known to be in the 'business of autographs', should not be the final word regarding the authenticity of an item. Sorry to be so long winded, but we feel that a full explanation of the facts regarding third party authentication has finally become necessary.
To all of our followers and repeat customers, thank you for your trust and loyalty. We will continue listing the same amazing items from the same collection that we have for more than five years now. We hope you will not let our latest statement detract you from continuing to place your trust in us. Our main reason for speaking out is for the betterment of the hobby. And it is our sincere hope that people will begin to see what is happening and demand better. Most everyone can agree that the process of third party authentication has vast room for improvement, and that if it doesn’t happen soon, people will eventually leave the hobby altogether. Because if we can’t trust those who’ve been entrusted, to be ethical and fair to all, what’s the point of being a collector in the first place?
Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon.
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