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Another bookseller involved in the uncovering of forgery is Charles Agvent, a recent Good Bookman. Charles specializes in autographs, first editions, and books of rare quality. Some years back he noticed that one bookseller in Connecticut had what appeared to be an uncommonly large number of signed first editions for sale.
Agvent, suspecting that some of these signatures were forged planted a trap that proved both inventive and successful. When the bookseller ordered a T.S. Eliot second edition, Charles wrote his initials in the gully of the text block well within the book. "At the Boston Book Fair, the Baumann's mentioned they had a signed second edition Eliot and I asked them to look at the book. Sure enough they found them (the initials)."
Armed with proof the FBI was approached. Subsequently the bookseller confessed.
Agvent's advice regarding suspicious documents or signatures is to err on the side of caution. Even if a signature looks slightly askew (the author could have been drinking or tired from signing so many autographs), it is worth reconsidering. Many autographs purported to be true are actually secretary signatures.
Those signatures that need scrupulous attention are President Regan and Truman Capote. This is one of the most common forgeries found on eBay, Agvent reported, especially signed editions of "In Cold Blood."
How to avoid buying a forgery? "Never buy a book claiming to be a first edition on eBay until you have plenty of experience with what you're doing. Try to work with booksellers and autograph sellers that you can trust. Establish a relationship. You may pay more but in the long run you'll save money."
Aside from dealing with a reputable dealer, get a guarantee for the purchase.
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