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I have collected Autographs since the year 1971. I met many celebrities over the years .

I have become very knowledgeable of Autographs over the past 47 years of collecting as well as selling historic philography.

I stood in line for an hour back in 2001 in order to meet, and have books signed by GORDON COOPER The title of these books , LEAP OF FAITH These books were all purchased new , they were First Editions. The cost of these books was $ 25.00 each.There was no extra charge for having these books signed. Gordon Cooper signed these books in front of me. The Bookstore Employees helped me carry the books to my car. I purchased quite a few !

I sold one of the Gordon Cooper Signed, First Editions of LEAP OF FAITH online. The buyer returned the book to me 30 days later because she sent the book to Steven Zarelli, of Balliston NY for an opinion and a Certificate. Mr Zarelli sells opinions .

Mr Zarelli rendered his very own opinion that the book was not authentically signed by Gordon Cooper I accepted the return, plus I paid for return shipping of the book. While Mr Zarelli broke no laws and he did render an OPINION. This was indeed an opinion. Mr Zarelli is very good at selling opinions, in fact when it comes to selling opinions Mr Zarelli is the very best. Very best. I will agree that he is the best opinion seller that I know of.

I am unclear what his opinion was actually based upon. I find it incredible that anyone would pay for an autographed book and then pay an additional fee for an opinion on authenticity. My buyer returned the book , but was out of pocket the opinion price with no item to show for it. This deal lacks common sense .

This is not the first time that Steven Zarelli sold one of my customers an opinion on a signed book, or anything else.Over past decade Mr Zarelli has given condescending opinions on dozens of signed books that I have sold. Several years ago a customer refused to return two items that Mr Zarelli had a negative opinion on. A return of an item is a reasonable request. That customer engaged a credit card charge back with Discover Card and the customer kept the two items. This was the only time that I was ever cheated in a chargeback. Most customers are honest enough to simply return the item(s) when they want a refund

As far as the signed books. I have some 3500 used books listed (not on eBay) and 300 of these are first editions signed by US Astronauts and or Pilots. All signed in person in front of me. At least 12 have been returned to me because of a Zarelli opinion. I wish Zarelli would stick to flat items and leave books alone. Cards are more likely to be questionable. Books are harder to sell because you can't hang a book on your wall.

I am attaching photographs of the Gordon Cooper Signed book that was returned. Readers can form an "opinion" for themselves.

Reason of review: Not as described/ advertised.

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That "Chargeback" you experienced seven years ago was theft. You were never given any reasons why the item(s) were opinioned to be fake by Mr Zarelli, and the buyer should have been willing to return those to you.

Those books should have also included detailed reasons why they were declared fake by Mr Zarelli. I wonder if some returned books were read prior to returning them. You stated that these books were signed in front of you, that is a fact. Mr Zarelli stated an opinion.

There is a clear difference between a fact and an opinion.

One thing that seems to be clear about Steven Zarelli is that he has a very high opinion of himself and I base my opinion on his posts and the wording of his posts. You will NEVER be able to convince Steve Zarelli that he is in error.

Guest

Steve Zarelli was hired by RR Auction to replace Chris Cornhole as an authenticator and this is how he got the job. He might not be very at it but he was hired and given that title. RR got sued by Michael Johnson over authenticity so take it at face value

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