Authentification Question From a Newbie

[bratcher1]

I purchased an autographed game used Joey Votto bat in 2009 but it does not have a COA. What is the best and/or most cost effective method of having it authenticated? I have been searching the forums but couldn't find an answer. Any help would be appreciated. Here's a couple of photos:




Thanks, Mike

P.S. I've been looking through the forums and this is a wonderful site. I'm glad a fellow collector clued me in to this group.

[CampWest]

Personally, I have never had a bat authenticated after I purchased it. Main reasons, 1) I only buy things I am very certain to be authentic, 2) an additional piece of paper with someone's opinion will not help me in any way as I generally do not acquire bats for resale, 3) aside from MLB Authenticated items I have not noticed much price difference between authenticated and non-authenticated bats on the open market, 4) certifications from reputable authenticators are very expensive generally a very significant portion of the the cost of the bats I am buying.

A couple of the best names I know for authentication are PSA/DNA, Mears, HOFBats.com.

PSA/DNA as an example charges $85 for authenticating, plus you will have to cover shipping there and back, so call it $105-110 to get your Votto bat graded. Add on $65 if you want it graded.

To each his own, but personally, I'd rather put that money into another bat or two. Don't let me discourage you from getting anything authenticated, but I would recommend considering if its a worthwhile investment for common bats.

Welcome to the site!

[legaleagle92481]

Authenticating AFTER you purchase is a bad idea. If it turns out that the authenticator feels your bat is not authentic you are now out that fee with nothing to show for it and must go chase after the seller for a refund which is not an easy thing to do people who sell questionable stuff have a habit of disappearing. I would not buy unless you are satisified that the item is authentic.

[joelsabi]

I purchased an autographed game used Joey Votto bat in 2009 but it does not have a COA. What is the best and/or most cost effective method of having it authenticated? I have been searching the forums but couldn't find an answer. Any help would be appreciated. Here's a couple of photos:




Thanks, Mike

P.S. I've been looking through the forums and this is a wonderful site. I'm glad a fellow collector clued me in to this group.

Mike,

welcome to the forum.

check this bat with your bat. theres a lot of photo including the knob.
http://cgi.ebay.com/JOEY-VOTTO-CINCI...item2c53080d3a

id spend my hard earned cash on another bat instead if you feel it is real.

[bratcher1]

Thanks for all the responses..sounds like the consensus is after-the-fact authentication is expensive and doesn't necessarily increase the value of the bat.

- Mike