AFA-graded knockoff Beachcomber being sold as an original

Might Gaine · 01-27-2008, 03:11 PM

Good job. I didn't even think to see if it had sold. I just assumed it hadn't/wouldn't.

Draven · 01-28-2008, 11:46 AM

The buyer just got back to me; fortunately he hadn't paid yet. I'm glad he didn't get scammed.

Might Gaine · 01-28-2008, 01:31 PM

I emailed AFA about it, and here's what they said:

"Thank you for providing us this information.

This is one of very few pieces which has stayed out on the market for the last 3 years. Over 3 years ago, the knockoff information was not public, and AFA did not label them as such. This was for a very brief time and we pulled virtually all examples off of the market. In recent years, all knock-offs are labeled as Chinese Reissue. If the buyer of the car would like to send it to AFA, we will reimburse him for his purchase and pull it off the market. This is probably the last or second to last knock-off left out on the market which is not labeled as such. The piece can be returned or you can alert the proper owner of this AFA guarantee. This is part of the safety of buying a graded item"

I'd still like them to explain why there are KO Beachcombers being called "1990's Chinese reissue", though.

macabremouse · 01-28-2008, 02:21 PM

Since they're admitting to the mistake and the barcode is both stated and pictured in the auction, AFA should at least correct the entry on their website. This may encourage the seller to return the item to AFA since an informed eBayer won't be purchasing it.

EDIT: anyone ever have problems registering with AFA? I attempted to but they never emailed me the code to finalizing registration.

Draven · 01-28-2008, 02:42 PM

I agree. The least the AFA could do is fix their own fuckups.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Might Gaine

I emailed AFA about it, and here's what they said:
"Thank you for providing us this information.
This is one of very few pieces which has stayed out on the market for the last 3 years. Over 3 years ago, the knockoff information was not public, and AFA did not label them as such. This was for a very brief time and we pulled virtually all examples off of the market. In recent years, all knock-offs are labeled as Chinese Reissue. If the buyer of the car would like to send it to AFA, we will reimburse him for his purchase and pull it off the market. This is probably the last or second to last knock-off left out on the market which is not labeled as such. The piece can be returned or you can alert the proper owner of this AFA guarantee. This is part of the safety of buying a graded item"

That's word-for-word what they sent me too.