1988 Prince 'Lovesexy' tour concert program, signed by 9:
- Prince– lead vocals, electric guitar
- Sheila E. – drums and percussion, backing vocals
- Boni Boyer – keyboards, backing vocals
- Dr. Fink – keyboards
- Miko Weaver – electric guitar
- Levi Seacer, Jr. – bass guitar
- Eric Leeds – saxophone
- Atlanta Bliss – trumpet
- Cat Glover – rap, backing vocals
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 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 signatures of their items. In 2015, these companies were taken to federal court (Mueller/Deedle Antitrust Lawsuit) for this very thing. 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. 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 with their Quick Opinion Service, of which it is estimated that more than 90% come back as 'likely not genuine'. This is key for opinionators, however, as it is insrumental in accomplishing all of the (boldfaced) above. Not to mention, they are paid well to do it (a few dozen to a hundred-plus requests daily, at $15/per).
An atmosphere of fear and intimidation 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 examined by a third party. And while we understand the need for an objective evaluation that is based in fact regarding a signature, we do not believe 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 it is on a piece of paper. So, with these company's opinions being 'questionable at best', 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 the time to carefully compare a signature for themselves when considering an autograph. Of course, there is 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 those in the 'business of autographs', should not be the final word regarding authenticity of an item. An opinion (by definition), is one person's view or idea and is not in any way based in fact or truth. But the written guarantee provided in our Letter Of Authenticity ensures that the item you are purchasing is, in fact, authentic. Simply stated, we have not, do not, and will not sell items that we are not 100% certain as to their authenticity.
Please excuse our long and drawn out statement, but we feel that an 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, with hopes that you will not let our latest stance detract you from continuing to place your trust in us. Our main reason for speaking out is for the betterment of the hobby. May we all endeavor to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Thank you for reading, we hope to see you soon.
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