Zarelli Space Authentication
Reviews and Complaints

He always has his nose up someone's backside . Annoying and In Your Face kind of guy

I don't ask for advice on collectspace any longer because Zipper always responds and I just do not trust his opinion. He is just too full of himself and he is an "attentioholic" .

A majority of Zarelli Authenticated stuff end up being rejected by PSA (check online complaints), I find it hilarious that Mr Zarelli claims, on his web site, that he Authenticates for PSA and yet PSA rejects many Zarelli Authenticated items.

There are some names in the authentication field that just about everyone will recognize. PSA/DNA, James Spence Authentication, and Global Authenticators. Dealers try to use these names to sell their autographs. If the autograph you are looking at has been authenticated by one of these companies, then "it must be real". Wrong. These companies and others like them have been abusing their privilege for years. All have "D" ratings with the Better Business Bureau for not returning your item, damaging your item, or sending back a different item among other things. Most importantly, they do not know how to authenticate. JSA has been caught on television twice authenticating fake autographs and on numerous occasions have authenticated reprints and stamped signatures (two of the easiest fakes to spot). PSA authenticated a check stating it was genuinely signed by G.A. Laurell (Laurel Tape & Film. Inc, ), but the signature was actually George A. Romero (Director). How did the signature make it through "extensive research and database comparisons" when it wasn't even his name? There is no excuse for a mistake like that, yet they refused to take responsibility. (Thanks to www.autographalert.com for this information). Some 3rd party authenticators have even been caught taking money from dealers to authenticate their forged autographs, while some are notorious for rejecting authentic autographs obtained by fans.

Collectors are beginning to realize the waste of money that 3rd party authentication is. That is why Global Authenticators filed bankruptcy. I am sure more are to follow. You do not need to rely on these companies when purchasing an autograph. You only need a little of your own research to determine the authenticity of the signature you want to purchase.

I used Zarelli to authenticate a very rare example of Gemini astronaut signatures on a JFK lithograph. All were genuine except for the Young which was an autopen. Zarelli easily set apart the signatures and verified each one individually, and also came with a certificate stating as such. I know RR Auction use Zarelli for authentication and I can see why. Top notch service!

He does not know what he is doing but he is an expert at it

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

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

A Nova Space purchase of John Young that I. Sold, was returned by Zarelli. Nova Space. Had this signed in person Nova Space has An A1. reputation. Zarelli is a wannabee and never will be

Zarelli's so-called expertise falls into question when bad examples surface on eBay with his home made, home printed Certificate of Authenticity. I recommend buying from reputable dealers that offer a written guarantee and buy the best items you can afford from such dealers and don't waste $ 100 on a worthless COA and instead spend more on the item and buy from established dealers. Zarelli is not going to refund your money in 5-10 years, in fact the fine print on his COA's have a legal disclaimer that clearly states that the document only represents an opinion and that no guaranty of authenticity is offered. Buy smart and do not waste money on third party COAs, buy from UACC Registered Dealers and put your money toward buying a great item rather than wasting $ 50-$100 on a document that merely states an "Opinion" from a disinterested 3rd party. A third party that will not refund you if their/his opinion is in the toilet !...NOTE: Steve Zarelli Authenticates for an Auction house in Amherst New Hampshire and that very same auction house is facing legal issues for alleged selling forgeries from [protected] .

If you take time to read one of the Zarelli C.O.A.s, you will find spelling errors. Enough said.

It is my opinion that, next to outright forgery, the third party certificate of authentication is the biggest on-line scam there is. Find a reputable autograph dealer and collect autographs the right way

PSA is not always correct, but they have a better track record than Steve Zarelli . I have seen a number of Zarelli signed certificates with many very sketchy looking autographs on ebay . It's a shame .