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Call instead of emailing or messaging. Mention you're calling about a piece from "In Their Own Right" and request to speak with Ron.
Thanks.
I want to highlight my connection with Frank and the invaluable lessons I gained from him. Our time together, combined with my ongoing research, has equipped me with the skills to expertly identify.
Below is a deft forgery (I believe Frank said this was a French forger who was in play around in the 90s but seemingly no longer). The Lennon is too well crafted, the "Pa" and "M" in McCartney are "wrong," the "s" in "best," and there is more, but that would require Frank to run it all down.
NOTE: Frank writes, "Fake!" in the lower left corner.
BELOW is a famous "SET" (it's the reverse of the well-known "Star Pics" card) with all four Beatles signing on the page of an autograph book someone carried around to get sigs from all the grooviest bands. A set like this is a real prize, all four signing, and sometimes a drawing or salutation tossed in.
This is a CONTRACT. Back in 1993 these were rarely seen by pedestrian buyers and sellers, rather those with the savvy to access rarities, like Frank.
Frank Caiazzo & Me.
I met Frank Caiazzo, widely regarded as the leading expert on the four signatures, in early 1991. At that time, he was working for a printing company, newly married, and deeply immersed in buying, collecting, and studying Beatles memorabilia, which was his true passion. He could pinpoint where the band members were on any given date, what they were doing, and could assess signing activities to validate or dismiss alleged autographs. I'm not sure how our conversation started, but we quickly forged a strong friendship.
We spoke several times a day, and Frank would send faxes of his most exciting discoveries, causing quite a stir in the mailroom. I purchased items from him, along with a friend, as we explored the signs of forgery, the items that would appreciate in value the quickest, and everything related to the Beatles. Our collaboration continued for a while, culminating in our first in-person meeting at Chicago's 'Beatlefest.'
There, Frank showcased his collection, sharing insights on buying memorabilia with fellow attendees and me during quieter moments. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Frank's father-in-law provided him with a business loan, which Frank turned into a multi-million dollar success. As Frank became increasingly wealthy and busy, our communication faded. However, during our time together, he introduced me to the world of "signed memorabilia," skills that have sharpened over the years. I can now identify 85% to 95% of forgeries, with the remaining nuances requiring Frank's expertise. I reference my connection to Caiazzo to highlight the knowledge I gained from the best and to reinforce that purchasing from me is a wise investment.
My keen eye, ethical standards, and principles ensure that you can collect authentically, safely, and with confidence. For investors, any authentic item signed by the Beatles can appreciate like blue-chip stock, gaining value each year. Pay attention to SETS and Signed LPs, as autographed LPs are among the most coveted collectibles. As Frank stated, "The LP is the essential Beatles product; they are signing their art." For example, a "Beatles For Sale" LP I bought in 1996 for $4,000 sold for $21,000 in 2008; front-signed LPs are significantly more desirable than back-signed ones. The front of most LPs featured shiny paper, while the back had a matte finish, leading artists to flip the LPs over for better signatures, as ballpoint pens would skip on the slick surface.