To everyone on MOPO,
freeman here
I have thought it best to stay out of the fray of the discussions
regarding the fraudulent paper recently brought to the fore as I was mentioned
in
the original civil suit.
But now I feel obliged to recognize publicly the swift actions, expense
and rightful actions of Ron Magid. As questionable paper ( minty whites,
hairy belts, fuzzy ALIENs you know them) have been passed along with nary a
slap on the wrist even when reasonably knowledgeable by many the individuals
responsible, it is Ron who was the first to aggressively pursue
investigation and action of this latest breech to the business and I think its
a
swell thing for all of you to know.
Indeed to assuage any fears presently, the defendant more than understood
his alleged distribution and sale of fraudulent materials was going to
result into a thunder clap of litigation in May. Ron, armed with information
from Profiles and myself, immediately had an independent expert in
restoration (Carol Tincup, well regarded for over a decade) to investigate
the
materials (all had to be de-mounted and the paper carefully inspected) at his
own expense. When discovered all frauds, Ron immediately hired a lawyer
and as swiftly as possible filed his lawsuit and awaited servicing of said
law suit. During that period no discussions were allowed as dictated by his
counsel and truly it was agonizing how long it took for these things to
work their way through the courts before one could make public. But within
the very small circle of collectors who deal/purchase high-end horror, a
cautious "pause" immediately seemed to form without any specifics shared as
many began to have their purchases coming from the defendant examined. Also
knowing eyes monitored carefully listings on EBAY again by concerned
Mopo'ers.
So please understand everyone that legal actions were initiated, as soon
as the fraudulent items discovered. Further the great majority of the
fraudulent paper did not find widespread dissemination to the public, save
for
4 instances already identified, and two private sales again identified.
This kind of integrity and swift action is being demonstrated throughout
this circle of collectors and dealers because the health and confidence of
authentic materials for the future is dependant on doing so.
And may I please add before gossip, innuendo and ridiculous scenarios
are posted to inflame and strike fear for the benefit of those outside
this very small circle of high-end horror dealers, that discretion, courtesy
and common sense would be appreciated while the legal processes bring to
justice the perpetrators involved. The two plaintiffs are only following to
the letter their counsel because nothing short of swift justice is being
pursued. Lets not blow it for them.
I do see a positive course for the immediate future that should impact us
all when selling/collecting high end paper. That is the conveyance of COA,
provenance or some such back up with respect to restoration. Case in
point I just sold a SON OF FRANKENSTEIN lobby card with a "before" restoration
and "after" restoration and who performed the minimum work and listed on
Ebay. It was purchased by an incredibly informed dealer on Mopo and I assume
that kind of transparency was recognized as responsible business (
please, hold your applause:)
In fact even further to the point, I have just brokered three high-end
horror cards, and even though in jaw dropping near to mint and unrestored
condition, I am having them inspected by Carol Tincup and authenticated with a
letter to convey in case down the line the buyer ever wanted to sell. A
hassle, sure, smart I should think so.
This just might be something other sellers and certain internet auction
houses will want to embrace when handling rare pieces as technology has
really advanced to the point of paper reproduction combined with nefarious
restoration being so good it has fooled even the most experienced dealers and
collectors. Presently with this unfortunate violation of all things holy
in this business it is certainly in my opinion a responsible course of
action to restore confidence for the immediate and future health of the hobby.
Freeman Fisher
Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com
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