I was hoping someone else might offer some opinions regarding the signed guitar, but anyway here goes. 

Autographs America are apparently notorious scammers. The proprietor is allegedly a convicted criminal who it is claimed spent 8 years in prison in the US. It is further alleged that during his time in prison he did a number of computer / graphic design / photoshop courses and that the photographs he claims as verifying his backstory (ie claims to attend concerts and get meet and greets where he gets these items signed) are photoshopped. Autographs America now trade as Autograph Network, having changed their name due to the negative publicity. A google search makes for very interesting reading indeed. There are numerous articles about their alleged fakery. I checked out the new website and very nearly bought a guitar signed by Elvis Presley with a paint pen. I don't recall paint pens being around in 1977, or perhaps only superstars could afford them.

My thoughts on this guitar: the only signature which I think looks remotely like any of the genuine signatures I have would be Rob's which would be the easiest to fake. However, on all of the items the band have signed for me, Rob has always written a date, eg "Oils 07" (yes I have a stick signed by Rob at a Ghosties gig in 2007 and he made sure he dated it 2007 as per his 'system'). The guitar is annoted "Midnight Oil Blue Sky Mining", that album being released in 1990. The Ashton guitar company commenced in 2007. The Artwork (stickers) are from ES&M and Capricornia. An interesting mish-mash.

It may seem harsh, but unfortunately in my opinion, I think that despite the certificate of authenticity the signatures are not genuine. 

What do others think? Can anyone on the list get confirmation or denial from the office?

By the way, they still have signed Midnight Oil drumheads and Albums for sale on their website, check it out.

Sent from my iPhone

On 01/05/2014, at 7:20 PM, winnie le pinguin <vive_les_ours@hotmail.com> wrote: