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Before we begin our Q and A, we asked for a little backround on James Spence Jr. The following was provided by James Spence Authentication (JSA):

James Spence has the universal respect and approval of auctioneers, dealers, and collectors worldwide with his accurate authentication expertise. A third generation autograph collector, his knowledge and exposure has its roots in over thirty years of hobby experience. Spence is a 1982 graduate from Iona College of New York with a double major in International Business and French. A New Jersey native, he has opined for virtually every major auction house in the country. World renown auction houses including Sotheby's, Christies, eBay, Guernsey's, Mastronet Auctions, Grey Flannel Auctions, Robert Edward Auctions, Hunt Auctions and many others employ the services of James Spence to insure the legitimacy and affirm the value of their autographed offerings. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of the Treasury (IRS) have depended on Spence as their sports authentication adviser and asked for his assistance during past investigations. Law enforcement and insurance carriers have placed their trust in Spence to assist in their analysis. Mr. Spence has successfully completed certification in Forensic Document Examination. Dealers have also relied on his knowledge, experience and integrity for some of the highest valued, historically significant and rarest signed artifacts in existence. Countless collectors have sought the reassurance that their investments will retain marketability when the time is right to divest of their holdings. It has long been the industry's choice to secure a James Spence Authentication Letter of Authenticity.

Recently, Auction Report was able to sit down with James Spence, Jr, Owner of James Spence Authentication, LLC and talked with him about his new company, and the authentication business.

Question: Why are you no longer with PSA/DNA?

James Spence, Jr: I successfully completed my five-year contract on April 30, 2005.

Question: What was your motivation in forming James Spence Authentication?

James Spence, Jr: After carefully weighing many options available to me, I decided that I would be happiest by going into my own business once again. I missed having the controls and wanted my own policies and procedures in place to assure my customers a high quality of service.

Question: What type of items will you be authenticating... sports? Historical? Entertainment? Modern Day? Vintage?

James Spence, Jr: Mostly sports at first, however I plan on building my staff to accommodate all fields.

Question: How does your departure from PSA/DNA effect collectors in your mind and how does this effect you?

James Spence, Jr: I worked tirelessly to build the most recognized and respected authentication business in the country (world?). Anyone that knows me can expect the same determined work ethic and thorough due diligence needed to offer a reliable and valued product.

Question: Are you authenticating for any Auction Companies? Are any under contract with JSA?

James Spence, Jr: As far as I know, every auction company I have done work for is a potential client, presently none are under contract with James Spence Authentication, LLC.

Question: Will you be buying and selling memorabilia too?

James Spence, Jr: My business model (and lack of time) will not permit me to deal in this venture. I really enjoyed buying in selling for so many years and I do miss the customers and the "rush" that it gave me. I do, however, see a bigger picture for the industry and my role of authenticating is more important. A few times a year, I still treat myself to a special signed item for my collection. I doubt I'll ever stop my penchant for collecting.

Question: Do you keep in contact with anyone at PSA/DNA..ie Joe Orlando, Steve Grad..Zach Rullo..or Jeremy?

James Spence, Jr: I've only been gone a week! My departure was professional and I'm sure in this rather small community that we will all cross paths. My interest is to move forward and be productive

Question: What do you think the effect is now that the autograph industry has another choice in authentication with JSA?

James Spence, Jr: I'm extremely optimistic that my entity will soon be regarded as their first choice. I believe taking the high road is the proper path to success.

Question: What makes you different from the other authenticators at others companies like PSA/DNA or Global?

James Spence, Jr: Things that come to mind are my anal-retentiveness to detail and my insistence that customer service is second to none. The next time you're waiting forever on the line for someone to pick up after the voice recording, you'll wish you would have called my PA office. I personally don't avoid anyone's phone calls and require my staff to follow my lead.

Question: Human error is inevitable... Will your company have any money back guarantee if a mistake is made?

James Spence, Jr: All authenticators can make a mistake. Some make more than others. Dealing with the situation is important. I have always tried to use proper judgment when needed.

Question: Why should collectors choose you to have their items authenticated?

James Spence, Jr: Based on the many years I've been doing this, their items DO sell for more when my LOA is attached. I doubt they would just choosing my service to be nice. Trust, knowledge and fairness are constant qualities that I strive for each day. I know of at least ten collections that are entrusted in my care in hobbyists last wills. Now that's a testimonial!

Question: Does authenticating an item boil down to just a matter of opinion? I mean no one actually does hand writing tests or tests ink or do you?

James Spence, Jr: The signature would have to be tampered with if an ink test was performed. I'm not going to be cutting up some guys Ruth ball. Of coarse the authenticity is an opinion and a fine reputation precedes the value. After examining hundreds of thousands of signatures and passionately studying this for so many years, I have developed a feel and a comfort level before allowing my signature to sign the LOA.

Question: Again, Human error is inevitable...What happens when you re authenticate an items that you passed or denied while you were at PSA/DNA and you differ in your opinion when the item is re submitted through JSA?

James Spence, Jr: That bridge will be crossed when it happens. For now, my confidence level is high and I prefer to concentrate on all the good that I'll be performing. It never fails that some people would like to dwell on the one questionable item and offer no mention of the hundreds that were called correctly.

Question: Will you consult with outside experts on autographs you are unsure on or will you just render a Inconclusive letter?

James Spence, Jr: Any good authenticator relies on a network of expertise outside their own. Only when that process is exhausted should one deem a signature inconclusive. Better to be safe than sorry.

Question: Do you think their are flaws in PSA/DNA authentication process or Global? And are you taking measures to prevent these flaws with JSA?

James Spence, Jr: My system will be the opinion of a consensus group. I don't think it is prudent to let something through without the opinion of the entire authentication staff.

Question: Inevitability, you will pass or reject an item that Global or PSA/DNA will pass or knock down, what should a collector do when different authentication companies render different opinions?

James Spence, Jr: I will always render an opinion which is professional, unbiased and based on in-depth examination. I trust it is my Letter of Authenticity which will be the standard bearer for the industry.

Question: Can you ever be 100% certain and autograph items is good unless you personally witnessed it?

James Spence, Jr: Sure, there is NO doubt in my mind that many of the signatures I consider valid are 100% real. I've experienced many people who swear to me that they received the item in person that I can not concur. Which item would you rather put in your collection?

Question: What other autograph experts to you respect in the hobby?

James Spence, Jr: Without mentioning any names specifically, I admire those who make this a constant study and reexamine their knowledge over and over again. This should be considered a passion over a career if one really wants to be recognized. I shun those who are arrogant, pompous and show little sympathy to the victims of forgeries.

Question: Will their be any different techniques you use to authenticate an item than what you did at PSA/DNA?

James Spence, Jr: I plan on surrounding myself with knowledgeable, loyal authenticators that have good attitudes and high integrity. The rest is easy.

Question: Your name appears on 10,000 of thousands of LOA's with PSA/DNA...how does this effect your new JSA company?

James Spence, Jr: If the public is comfortable with my signature in the past than this transition will be a "no brainer". My office is still in Pennsylvania. The public will remember their way back.

Question: Do you do cursory reviews?

James Spence, Jr: Not anytime soon. I need to spend time on full examinations.

Question: You state you have authenticators...Who else is there that looks at an item submitted to JSA and what are their autograph back rounds?

James Spence, Jr: Shortly I will be announcing my staff and consultants. It's only a week, you know.

Question: (This is a fun question) You state you are a historical guru in your JSA pamphlet...What qualifies you as this?

James Spence, Jr: I sometimes wonder why my mind absorbs all the trivia that it does. I can remember entire rosters or often date a signed baseball without a reference guide. Dates of death swirl around my mind also. I still can't remember phone numbers that same manner.

Question: (Another fun Question) Will you hide behind a curtain at shows like other companies do or will you authenticate in the open?

James Spence, Jr: Sometimes it is easier to concentrate behind a curtain. For the time being, however, I plan on being front and center.

Question: Do you do ink testing?

James Spence, Jr: No.

Question: Will your rejection letters be individually customized per item or will they be basically the same as they were with PSA/DNA?

James Spence, Jr: They will be detailed and offer explanation of why the item failed the process.

Question: What is the overall goal of JSA?

James Spence, Jr: To earn the respect of a demanding hobby.

Question: What kind of numbers or submissions do you expect to get this year?

James Spence, Jr: This remains to be seen, but I will tell you I do plan on being busy.

Question: What shows will you be at?

James Spence, Jr: They will all be listed on my website www.SpenceLOA.com.

Question: Recently PSA/DNA made some policy changes on their auction LOA's. How will JSA handle auction LOA's how will your authentication process differ for auction houses?

James Spence, Jr: We offer several different forms of authenticity which includes a service specifically designed for approved auction houses. The auction houses letters of Authenticity (LOA) are exclusively created to accommodate national auction houses keeping in mind the large volume of signature material presented in a specific catalog. The winning bidders receive our Auction House LOA on our proprietary watermarked paper containing the lot number, item(s) description (per the auction house), and date of the offering. These generic LOA's differ from our premium documents in as much as they are preliminary reviews of the items and do not go through the rigors of our full examination process. Unlike the premium JSA LOA, the Auction House version do not contain the live notarized signature of James Spence, a high resolution digital scan of the signature(s), certification number, and sequential sticker, nor our own specific description of the offered lot. The text provided by the auction house is solely their verbiage. If the winning auction bidder elects to have the LOA upgraded to our premium service, JSA charges a $50 upgrade fee per individual item. This service is recommended by JSA and will insure the highest level of our opined expertise. In the rare event that our opinion differs from the original consultation with the auction house, no upgrade fee will be charged. Only the original auction house JSA LOAs are accepted for our upgraded service. Photocopies are not accepted. It is important to for all our customers to fully understand the differences in our products to avoid any misconception or confusion.

Question: So collectors can be familiar with you and your employees, who else works at JSA?

James Spence, Jr: My staff is office manager Connie Aldridge and account manager Ashley Davenport. Others will be named soon!

For more information on James Spence Authentication, LLC, go to their web site at: www.SpenceLOA.com

If you have any questions or comments about this interview please e-mail Auction Report at: info@auctionreport.com