I am real new to this area of collecting and joined this site in part because I believe that a fool and his money are soon parted. I know when I am buying sports memorabilia certain independent authenticators (JSA, PSA/DNA) are well respected and trusted. Do authenticators like that exist in this area in the sense that if you see an eBay or auction items saying certified by X, that you know the item is good. Thanks in advance.

This should help answer your question. The best thing you can do is ask questions on here and educate yourself through books and research.

http://oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?u...true#Post530657

Nobody has established something like that. I'm sure it's coming, with the skyrocketing value of petroliana and amount of novice people getting burned. But will everyone on OG or a private collector's submit their item's for "appraisal and grading" probably not. Reading books and living here on OG will help from making a poor decision.

I remember asking this same thing in some sort of way 2 1/2 years ago when I first got in the hobby. The idea made so much sense to me. Still does. But after about a year in, and getting to know this site and a little about how this hobby ticks. I realized, it will never happen.

If someone tries to do something like that the motivation will be to better their bank account, not better the hobby.