tcb
New Member
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February 2014
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by tcb on May 1, 2022 15:51:39 GMT 1, All extremely shady.
I wouldn't be surprised if the seller even posted in this thread.
All extremely shady.
I wouldn't be surprised if the seller even posted in this thread.
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 2, 2022 20:50:25 GMT 1, Where do you see that they sold 2 Soup Can posters? I only see one sold in their history. Anything you see wrong with that Soup Cans poster in particular besides it’s origin country? There were quite a few of them made and POW was even selling 5 packs of them at one point so it’s not hard to imagine that some legit ones ended up in Spain but then again I’m not an expert and I have seen the fakes for sale on eBay by sellers in Spain. Also, he shouldn’t have advertised that canvas as a Banksy original but we all know and I’m sure whoever bought it knew they weren’t getting a $100,000 signed print with Pest Control COA. It’s pretty obvious that it was a cheap copy and it’s well known that they were sold by tons of street vendors on the outskirts of Dismaland. The soup cans is fake, I'm not going into why because the seller is no doubt on this forum. You've come on here for a legit check on your print, yet seem extremely reluctant to accept the advice you've asked for, including the 2 very detailed posts from met and you now seem to be trying to convince yourself that the fake items the seller has previously sold are somehow not fake or not a big deal. Everything points to the print being fake.
The efforts the seller puts into producing fakes (i.e dismaland) tells me there is less than 1% chances the print is legit
double uo globe
This post, covering certain past transactions by the eBay seller visualgallery, reiterates many of the comments recently made by geester and ca.
I trust you'll forgive the repetition, which is deliberate and for emphasis.
__________
1. FAKE BANKSY SOUP CANS**
1.1 "Where do you see that they sold 2 Soup Can posters? I only see one sold in their history."
Sorry, my mistake.
Only one poster appears to have actually sold. This was for $1,475.00 (starting price of $1.00) on 20 March 2022. eBay item number 313912446094*:
Given the positive eBay feedback left for visualgallery, the buyer is presumably still oblivious of the fact they were scammed.
$1,475.00 = A lot of money which could have been better spent.
The seller later listed a second poster. That auction had a starting price of €1,250.00, ending on 9 April 2022 but with zero bids. eBay item number 313940840758*:
It is worth noting that, of the 12 photos from the March eBay listing for the first poster, 10 of the same photos were used in the April eBay listing for the second poster.
But the total number of fakes sold shouldn't draw attention away from what's more important — the fact that, within just three months of registering their account, visualgallery had already exploited eBay to defraud collectors (the winning bidders) and deceive many others (all the underbidders).
1.2 "Anything you see wrong with that Soup Cans poster in particular besides it’s origin country? There were quite a few of them made and POW was even selling 5 packs of them at one point so it’s not hard to imagine that some legit ones ended up in Spain but then again I’m not an expert and I have seen the fakes for sale on eBay by sellers in Spain."
As this is a side issue, we should avoid allowing it to become a distraction.
geester also raised an important matter:
It would hardly be surprising if the eBay seller, visualgallery, were a forum member, or at least accessed this place as a guest. They certainly wouldn't be alone. Other fraudsters have previously registered, using their accounts to spread disinformation and sell counterfeit art. Some may well have used photos and technical details posted here in order to churn out forgeries.
So there's often a balance to be struck between competing concerns.
Helping out less-informed, honest collectors is an honourable goal. But I have no interest in educating scammers. And publicly identifying the mistakes of the latter will often help them to produce evermore convincing fakes.
Regarding the poster sales, their location country at best offers circumstantial evidence. This may point to the existence of a counterfeit risk, but nothing more. It would therefore be irresponsible (if not idiotic) for anyone to suggest sale items were fake for location reasons alone.
I confirm that my own assessment as to the Soup Cans was based on direct evidence — having spotted obvious tells of fakery in the photos of both the poster(s) and accompanying documentation. I suspect geester went through a similar exercise, proceeding with diligence before arriving at the same conclusion.
2. FAKE DISMALAND PIECES, INCLUDING CANVAS*
2.1 "Also, he shouldn’t have advertised that canvas as a Banksy original [...]"
The above downplays the significance of the fake Dismaland pieces, including the counterfeit Banksy Girl with Balloon canvas.
On the basis of that statement, one could mistakenly think the eBay seller, visualgallery, was just being opportunistically dishonest, e.g. as if they:
(a) randomly stumbled upon an opportunity; and
(b) in a moment of impulse, described the pieces as "original" rather than as reproductions or fakes.
However, this would be a gross mischaracterisation.
It wasn't at all a crime of opportunity. On the contrary, serious thought and a great deal of effort — over a lengthy period of time — went into deceiving the auction buyer and underbidders:
For this purpose, let's leave aside the work involved in painting the canvas.
Instead, focus on the counterfeit Dismaland receipt for the fake VISA transaction, with the sale pieces separately itemised. The receipt even includes a canvas reference number (101507), which corresponds to the barcode number on the fake price tag affixed to the back of the canvas.
Close-ups of two photos from the eBay listing*:
This was a significant, calculated endeavour — carried out with a clear objective to defraud.
2.2 "[...] but we all know and I’m sure whoever bought it knew they weren’t getting a $100,000 signed print with Pest Control COA. It’s pretty obvious that it was a cheap copy [...]"
Because many of us are proactive when it comes to informing ourselves about contemporary art — including via regular visits to this forum and similar platforms; by seeking out news articles, talks, panel discussions, programmes and documentaries; and by keeping up to date on primary and secondary market sales — we are constantly bombarded with data, opinions and insights on the subject.
That is our norm. A norm to which we're hyper-acclimatised. So familiar to us that we hardly even question it. We are immersed. Moreover, many of us often surround ourselves with likeminded individuals.
It is therefore very easy to forget just how specialised this environment is. How, from an outsider's perspective, much of the information in our heads would be considered geeky. And how, despite the fact we often take it for granted, much of the knowledge we hold is esoteric.
I would posit the following, all of which I believe to be true:
The majority of Banksy fans (and probably the vast majority, if we include casual enthusiasts of his work):
(i) are unfamiliar with this forum;
(ii) have no idea what Pest Control Office is;
(iii) do not know what provenance means, or what "COA" stands for;
(iv) if notified accordingly, would readily accept (without serious question or pushback) that Banksy created the Panda waving handguns, Elizabeth II as Aladdin Sane, Begging for Change, Super Mario being questioned by a police officer, and other images frequently misattributed to the artist; and
(v) are either under the impression or would not be doubtful if informed that Banksy mini-canvases and Dismaland currency were available for sale in 2015 at the Dismaland gift shop (especially bearing in mind the high-profile sales of $60 canvases at Central Park two years prior).
Would you accept the above as accurate? Or at least potentially accurate for a not-insubstantial number of Banksy's millions of fans?
If yes, then, focusing on point (v), imagine the same ignorant fans being asked to estimate the value of a small (40 x 30 cm), very basic, stencil-sprayed canvas with a Banksy stencil tag on it — one that was seemingly originally sold at Dismaland for £250.
Many would probably have no idea whether such a rudimentary painting was now worth three, four, five or six figures.
In fact, the £250 stated on the fake Dismaland receipt could well act as a price anchor — to the extent that (again, in the mind of uninformed enthusiasts) paying a three or four-figure sum might not seem unreasonable. A fortiori, this could also be the case if the buyer were a clueless family member, using eBay to find a gift for, say, their Banksy-loving child or grandchild.
My longwinded objective here is to challenge your suggestion that everyone has a good understanding of Banksy's market and is up-to-speed with his current prices. I believe that premise to be false.
Similarly, the comment "It's pretty obvious that it was a cheap copy" may be projecting — an assumption that what is obvious to you must be obvious to everybody else as well.
But even on this forum, where the collective knowledge regarding all things Banksy is relatively high, poorly-executed knockoffs are occasionally referred to as possible creations by the artist.
This would demonstrate there are people who cannot tell the difference between the real McCoy and a bad fake. Just read some of the speculative comments found on threads dedicated to parasites like the West Country Prince or Mrs Banksy.
[Admittedly, a number of those comments were probably cynical attempts by those with vested interests to hype their rubbish and dupe other members. But a handful did feel sincere, as if posted by individuals lacking a trained eye and led astray by wishful thinking.]
By way of complementary argument, are you aware of anyone who would spend $910.00 plus shipping on a small stencil painting attributed to Banksy (complete with provenance documentation confirming the same) if they knew it was fake?
I have yet to encounter such a person.
Nobody in my list of contacts, even among those living more than comfortably, has a predilection for flushing money down the toilet.
2.3 "[...] and it’s well known that they were sold by tons of street vendors on the outskirts of Dismaland."
I attended Dismaland on four occasions during two separate trips to Weston-super-Mare in August and September 2015.
Your description of fake Banksys having been "sold by tons of street vendors on the outskirts of Dismaland" isn't something I witnessed on any of my visits.
The reference to this fact being "well known" also came as a surprise to me, because I had never heard it before, despite being reasonably well-informed. From what I could see at the time on eBay and other sale platforms, the vast bulk of fake pieces with fake accompanying Dismaland paperwork was churned out after the event closed.
Did you yourself see street vendors selling fake Banksys outside Dismaland?
Where do you see that they sold 2 Soup Can posters? I only see one sold in their history. Anything you see wrong with that Soup Cans poster in particular besides it’s origin country? There were quite a few of them made and POW was even selling 5 packs of them at one point so it’s not hard to imagine that some legit ones ended up in Spain but then again I’m not an expert and I have seen the fakes for sale on eBay by sellers in Spain. Also, he shouldn’t have advertised that canvas as a Banksy original but we all know and I’m sure whoever bought it knew they weren’t getting a $100,000 signed print with Pest Control COA. It’s pretty obvious that it was a cheap copy and it’s well known that they were sold by tons of street vendors on the outskirts of Dismaland. The soup cans is fake, I'm not going into why because the seller is no doubt on this forum. You've come on here for a legit check on your print, yet seem extremely reluctant to accept the advice you've asked for, including the 2 very detailed posts from met and you now seem to be trying to convince yourself that the fake items the seller has previously sold are somehow not fake or not a big deal. Everything points to the print being fake.
The efforts the seller puts into producing fakes (i.e dismaland) tells me there is less than 1% chances the print is legit
double uo globe
This post, covering certain past transactions by the eBay seller visualgallery, reiterates many of the comments recently made by geester and ca.
I trust you'll forgive the repetition, which is deliberate and for emphasis.
__________
1. FAKE BANKSY SOUP CANS**
1.1 "Where do you see that they sold 2 Soup Can posters? I only see one sold in their history."
Sorry, my mistake.
Only one poster appears to have actually sold. This was for $1,475.00 (starting price of $1.00) on 20 March 2022. eBay item number 313912446094*:
Given the positive eBay feedback left for visualgallery, the buyer is presumably still oblivious of the fact they were scammed.
$1,475.00 = A lot of money which could have been better spent.
The seller later listed a second poster. That auction had a starting price of €1,250.00, ending on 9 April 2022 but with zero bids. eBay item number 313940840758*:
It is worth noting that, of the 12 photos from the March eBay listing for the first poster, 10 of the same photos were used in the April eBay listing for the second poster.
But the total number of fakes sold shouldn't draw attention away from what's more important — the fact that, within just three months of registering their account, visualgallery had already exploited eBay to defraud collectors (the winning bidders) and deceive many others (all the underbidders).
1.2 "Anything you see wrong with that Soup Cans poster in particular besides it’s origin country? There were quite a few of them made and POW was even selling 5 packs of them at one point so it’s not hard to imagine that some legit ones ended up in Spain but then again I’m not an expert and I have seen the fakes for sale on eBay by sellers in Spain."
As this is a side issue, we should avoid allowing it to become a distraction.
geester also raised an important matter:
It would hardly be surprising if the eBay seller, visualgallery, were a forum member, or at least accessed this place as a guest. They certainly wouldn't be alone. Other fraudsters have previously registered, using their accounts to spread disinformation and sell counterfeit art. Some may well have used photos and technical details posted here in order to churn out forgeries.
So there's often a balance to be struck between competing concerns.
Helping out less-informed, honest collectors is an honourable goal. But I have no interest in educating scammers. And publicly identifying the mistakes of the latter will often help them to produce evermore convincing fakes.
Regarding the poster sales, their location country at best offers circumstantial evidence. This may point to the existence of a counterfeit risk, but nothing more. It would therefore be irresponsible (if not idiotic) for anyone to suggest sale items were fake for location reasons alone.
I confirm that my own assessment as to the Soup Cans was based on direct evidence — having spotted obvious tells of fakery in the photos of both the poster(s) and accompanying documentation. I suspect geester went through a similar exercise, proceeding with diligence before arriving at the same conclusion.
2. FAKE DISMALAND PIECES, INCLUDING CANVAS*
2.1 "Also, he shouldn’t have advertised that canvas as a Banksy original [...]"
The above downplays the significance of the fake Dismaland pieces, including the counterfeit Banksy Girl with Balloon canvas.
On the basis of that statement, one could mistakenly think the eBay seller, visualgallery, was just being opportunistically dishonest, e.g. as if they:
(a) randomly stumbled upon an opportunity; and
(b) in a moment of impulse, described the pieces as "original" rather than as reproductions or fakes.
However, this would be a gross mischaracterisation.
It wasn't at all a crime of opportunity. On the contrary, serious thought and a great deal of effort — over a lengthy period of time — went into deceiving the auction buyer and underbidders:
For this purpose, let's leave aside the work involved in painting the canvas.
Instead, focus on the counterfeit Dismaland receipt for the fake VISA transaction, with the sale pieces separately itemised. The receipt even includes a canvas reference number (101507), which corresponds to the barcode number on the fake price tag affixed to the back of the canvas.
Close-ups of two photos from the eBay listing*:
This was a significant, calculated endeavour — carried out with a clear objective to defraud.
2.2 "[...] but we all know and I’m sure whoever bought it knew they weren’t getting a $100,000 signed print with Pest Control COA. It’s pretty obvious that it was a cheap copy [...]"
Because many of us are proactive when it comes to informing ourselves about contemporary art — including via regular visits to this forum and similar platforms; by seeking out news articles, talks, panel discussions, programmes and documentaries; and by keeping up to date on primary and secondary market sales — we are constantly bombarded with data, opinions and insights on the subject.
That is our norm. A norm to which we're hyper-acclimatised. So familiar to us that we hardly even question it. We are immersed. Moreover, many of us often surround ourselves with likeminded individuals.
It is therefore very easy to forget just how specialised this environment is. How, from an outsider's perspective, much of the information in our heads would be considered geeky. And how, despite the fact we often take it for granted, much of the knowledge we hold is esoteric.
I would posit the following, all of which I believe to be true:
The majority of Banksy fans (and probably the vast majority, if we include casual enthusiasts of his work):
(i) are unfamiliar with this forum;
(ii) have no idea what Pest Control Office is;
(iii) do not know what provenance means, or what "COA" stands for;
(iv) if notified accordingly, would readily accept (without serious question or pushback) that Banksy created the Panda waving handguns, Elizabeth II as Aladdin Sane, Begging for Change, Super Mario being questioned by a police officer, and other images frequently misattributed to the artist; and
(v) are either under the impression or would not be doubtful if informed that Banksy mini-canvases and Dismaland currency were available for sale in 2015 at the Dismaland gift shop (especially bearing in mind the high-profile sales of $60 canvases at Central Park two years prior).
Would you accept the above as accurate? Or at least potentially accurate for a not-insubstantial number of Banksy's millions of fans?
If yes, then, focusing on point (v), imagine the same ignorant fans being asked to estimate the value of a small (40 x 30 cm), very basic, stencil-sprayed canvas with a Banksy stencil tag on it — one that was seemingly originally sold at Dismaland for £250.
Many would probably have no idea whether such a rudimentary painting was now worth three, four, five or six figures.
In fact, the £250 stated on the fake Dismaland receipt could well act as a price anchor — to the extent that (again, in the mind of uninformed enthusiasts) paying a three or four-figure sum might not seem unreasonable. A fortiori, this could also be the case if the buyer were a clueless family member, using eBay to find a gift for, say, their Banksy-loving child or grandchild.
My longwinded objective here is to challenge your suggestion that everyone has a good understanding of Banksy's market and is up-to-speed with his current prices. I believe that premise to be false.
Similarly, the comment "It's pretty obvious that it was a cheap copy" may be projecting — an assumption that what is obvious to you must be obvious to everybody else as well.
But even on this forum, where the collective knowledge regarding all things Banksy is relatively high, poorly-executed knockoffs are occasionally referred to as possible creations by the artist.
This would demonstrate there are people who cannot tell the difference between the real McCoy and a bad fake. Just read some of the speculative comments found on threads dedicated to parasites like the West Country Prince or Mrs Banksy.
[Admittedly, a number of those comments were probably cynical attempts by those with vested interests to hype their rubbish and dupe other members. But a handful did feel sincere, as if posted by individuals lacking a trained eye and led astray by wishful thinking.]
By way of complementary argument, are you aware of anyone who would spend $910.00 plus shipping on a small stencil painting attributed to Banksy (complete with provenance documentation confirming the same) if they knew it was fake?
I have yet to encounter such a person.
Nobody in my list of contacts, even among those living more than comfortably, has a predilection for flushing money down the toilet.
2.3 "[...] and it’s well known that they were sold by tons of street vendors on the outskirts of Dismaland."
I attended Dismaland on four occasions during two separate trips to Weston-super-Mare in August and September 2015.
Your description of fake Banksys having been "sold by tons of street vendors on the outskirts of Dismaland" isn't something I witnessed on any of my visits.
The reference to this fact being "well known" also came as a surprise to me, because I had never heard it before, despite being reasonably well-informed. From what I could see at the time on eBay and other sale platforms, the vast bulk of fake pieces with fake accompanying Dismaland paperwork was churned out after the event closed.
Did you yourself see street vendors selling fake Banksys outside Dismaland?
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 2, 2022 22:38:16 GMT 1, Thanks everybody. I’m just waiting for The Aldrich registrar to confirm what I suspect. That it’s a forgery. I’ll be able to get a refund from eBay and the seller agreed to a return with no problem really. The seller didn't have to agree. You're covered. Report the item as a fake / counterfeit. It should be destroyed. Of course, he wants it back so he can sell it to someone else. Let everyone know the edition number.
double uo globe — The above post is key.
Once you receive confirmation from The Aldrich, forward it to eBay, then cease all communications with the seller, visualgallery*. You will no longer need the latter.
Crucially, please do not return the fake KAWS print to the seller.
As recommended by DAVID HOCKNEY, report it as a counterfeit.
Separately, access the 'Help & Contact' page on eBay, and request a telephone call from a customer representative.
Be clear and firm about the print having officially been declared fake. Let them know as well that, if the print were sent back to the seller, you have good reason to fear it would be re-sold to another unsuspecting buyer — especially given the seller's existing eBay history with fake Banksy items.
In case you sense any resistance from the customer representative, ask for the case to be escalated and for somebody more senior to contact you.
__________
I have gone through this process myself with eBay. While it took a bit of time and effort, I did receive a full refund reasonably promptly, without having to return the fakes (thus ensuring I never placed my fellow collectors at risk).
But even if I had encountered any serious hurdles with eBay, out of principle I would simply have bypassed the company — liaising instead with my payment card issuer, explaining the fraud, and requesting a chargeback.
__________
And, yes, once confirmation arrives from The Aldrich, do let us know the print edition number.
Separately, since online fraudsters typically use multiple accounts and different usernames, it would be very helpful if, by way of reciprocity for the assistance you've received here, the name of the seller, their address details, and (if available) their email address could also be disclosed.
Good luck going forward.
Thanks everybody. I’m just waiting for The Aldrich registrar to confirm what I suspect. That it’s a forgery. I’ll be able to get a refund from eBay and the seller agreed to a return with no problem really. The seller didn't have to agree. You're covered. Report the item as a fake / counterfeit. It should be destroyed. Of course, he wants it back so he can sell it to someone else. Let everyone know the edition number.
double uo globe — The above post is key.
Once you receive confirmation from The Aldrich, forward it to eBay, then cease all communications with the seller, visualgallery*. You will no longer need the latter.
Crucially, please do not return the fake KAWS print to the seller.
As recommended by DAVID HOCKNEY, report it as a counterfeit.
Separately, access the 'Help & Contact' page on eBay, and request a telephone call from a customer representative.
Be clear and firm about the print having officially been declared fake. Let them know as well that, if the print were sent back to the seller, you have good reason to fear it would be re-sold to another unsuspecting buyer — especially given the seller's existing eBay history with fake Banksy items.
In case you sense any resistance from the customer representative, ask for the case to be escalated and for somebody more senior to contact you.
__________
I have gone through this process myself with eBay. While it took a bit of time and effort, I did receive a full refund reasonably promptly, without having to return the fakes (thus ensuring I never placed my fellow collectors at risk).
But even if I had encountered any serious hurdles with eBay, out of principle I would simply have bypassed the company — liaising instead with my payment card issuer, explaining the fraud, and requesting a chargeback.
__________
And, yes, once confirmation arrives from The Aldrich, do let us know the print edition number.
Separately, since online fraudsters typically use multiple accounts and different usernames, it would be very helpful if, by way of reciprocity for the assistance you've received here, the name of the seller, their address details, and (if available) their email address could also be disclosed.
Good luck going forward.
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by That Print Guy on May 2, 2022 23:06:18 GMT 1, Yeah don't send shit back. Sending a known forgery over international borders I hear is a crime.
Yeah don't send shit back. Sending a known forgery over international borders I hear is a crime.
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by double uo globe on May 3, 2022 0:02:30 GMT 1, I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit.
I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit.
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 3, 2022 1:17:01 GMT 1, I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit.
Here is my advice:
1. Do not allow yourself to be bullied by eBay.
They will naturally try to go with the option that causes the least hassle for them. This means their initial default stance will always be to get you to return the item, regardless of the circumstances — giving you the impression there are no alternatives, and that you have no choice in the matter.
You need to be more forceful, to push back, while at the same time remaining calm, polite, and demonstrating you are being reasonable.
2. Do not liaise with eBay via the messaging system.
Get a representative to call you. The employees who man the telephones are generally less useless, more senior, and have greater discretion and decision-making powers.
Ask to be transferred to the department specialising in counterfeits or fraud (or have the representative get someone from that department to ring you back).
3. Once you have a competent individual on the line, explain once again the situation — including the seller's history with patent fakes on eBay, and how you are genuinely concerned that returning the fake KAWS print will only result in the seller offloading it to yet another (and this time perhaps less-informed and less-experienced) buyer.
If need be, point out that for eBay to ask that you return a forgery to a scammer, who will then use it to defraud another victim, is unethical and immoral on the part of the company. It would, in effect, force you to be an accomplice and to facilitate fraud. That is clearly not acceptable.
4. If, for whatever reason, the above approach doesn't succeed, then circumvent eBay. Just contact your payment card issuer instead, and ask that they initiate a chargeback for fraud.
5. Please do not return the fake KAWS print to the seller.
I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit.
Here is my advice:
1. Do not allow yourself to be bullied by eBay.
They will naturally try to go with the option that causes the least hassle for them. This means their initial default stance will always be to get you to return the item, regardless of the circumstances — giving you the impression there are no alternatives, and that you have no choice in the matter.
You need to be more forceful, to push back, while at the same time remaining calm, polite, and demonstrating you are being reasonable.
2. Do not liaise with eBay via the messaging system.
Get a representative to call you. The employees who man the telephones are generally less useless, more senior, and have greater discretion and decision-making powers.
Ask to be transferred to the department specialising in counterfeits or fraud (or have the representative get someone from that department to ring you back).
3. Once you have a competent individual on the line, explain once again the situation — including the seller's history with patent fakes on eBay, and how you are genuinely concerned that returning the fake KAWS print will only result in the seller offloading it to yet another (and this time perhaps less-informed and less-experienced) buyer.
If need be, point out that for eBay to ask that you return a forgery to a scammer, who will then use it to defraud another victim, is unethical and immoral on the part of the company. It would, in effect, force you to be an accomplice and to facilitate fraud. That is clearly not acceptable.
4. If, for whatever reason, the above approach doesn't succeed, then circumvent eBay. Just contact your payment card issuer instead, and ask that they initiate a chargeback for fraud.
5. Please do not return the fake KAWS print to the seller.
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Hairbland
Junior Member
Posts • 2,943
Likes • 2,731
November 2010
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by Hairbland on May 3, 2022 1:40:11 GMT 1, I just looked at mine, all the letters in the alleged fake are a bit off.
I just looked at mine, all the letters in the alleged fake are a bit off.
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irl1
Full Member
Posts • 9,274
Likes • 9,380
December 2017
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by irl1 on May 3, 2022 8:39:27 GMT 1, I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit. I had a problem like this about 4/5 year ago.
Spoke to a manager who told me if I bring it to my local police station to have it destroyed they will then refund me.
The chances of the seller posting on here are a million to one
I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit. I had a problem like this about 4/5 year ago. Spoke to a manager who told me if I bring it to my local police station to have it destroyed they will then refund me. The chances of the seller posting on here are a million to one
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Sundowner
Junior Member
Posts • 4,222
Likes • 2,427
September 2008
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by Sundowner on May 3, 2022 9:07:37 GMT 1, Really sorry to read about this. I own one of these and would agree with the points here made regarding the signature on this - it looks like it was done very slowly and deliberately (which puts more pressure on the pencil, leading to the very firm signature, rather than the softness of the artist's genuine signatures).
The other comment I would make (and I don't think this has been mentioned here) is that these prints came with full documentation from The Aldrich Museum, specifically referencing the edition number you purchased. If this print was not sold with this documentation then it casts yet further doubt on its authenticity.
Really sorry to read about this. I own one of these and would agree with the points here made regarding the signature on this - it looks like it was done very slowly and deliberately (which puts more pressure on the pencil, leading to the very firm signature, rather than the softness of the artist's genuine signatures).
The other comment I would make (and I don't think this has been mentioned here) is that these prints came with full documentation from The Aldrich Museum, specifically referencing the edition number you purchased. If this print was not sold with this documentation then it casts yet further doubt on its authenticity.
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akn220
New Member
Posts • 12
Likes • 3
November 2010
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by akn220 on May 3, 2022 18:46:41 GMT 1, The hardness of the signature is really what’s making me suspicious. The placement is fine on it as it’s different on different KAWSBOB’s and I’ve found some KAWS signatures on other prints and canvases that look very similar to this one but I can’t get over the hardness of it. The actual print itself looks identical to an authentic one besides the signature. Either way, I also submitted it to Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Tate Ward to see if they could authenticate it for me. If anybody else knows anywhere in the NYC area where I could take it to be authenticated, I’d appreciate it. I will be able to recover my money if it’s not authentic but I just don’t want to return it unless I’m sure. People have been messaging the seller asking to buy it if I return it ever since I made this post on here which is pretty shady. Wait are you based in NYC? I could take a look at it in person and know for sure if it's fake or not. Also try to avoid having to return it if you can. You can probably argue that returning it would allow the seller to scam someone else. Definitely give ebay a call once you're 100% sure that it's fake and talk all this over with them before you open your case.
That's great you messaged the auction houses. Hopefully they can help, but please also be aware that all of those auction houses have been caught selling fakes (Kaws, antiquities, etc). Especially with KAWS. Just because they are extremely reputable auction houses doesn't mean that they're experts in KAWS toys or prints (I probably know more about fake kaws stuff than they do because I've spent 15+ paying attention to it and have even owned some just out of curiosity).
Auction houses can also kind of turn a blind eye to fakes unless someone calls it out. Like they had fake 4ft Companions in certain sales that were shiny and so obviously fake compared to ones they had previously sold, and yet someone obviously approved them into the sale, until they were called out by other people.
The hardness of the signature is really what’s making me suspicious. The placement is fine on it as it’s different on different KAWSBOB’s and I’ve found some KAWS signatures on other prints and canvases that look very similar to this one but I can’t get over the hardness of it. The actual print itself looks identical to an authentic one besides the signature. Either way, I also submitted it to Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Tate Ward to see if they could authenticate it for me. If anybody else knows anywhere in the NYC area where I could take it to be authenticated, I’d appreciate it. I will be able to recover my money if it’s not authentic but I just don’t want to return it unless I’m sure. People have been messaging the seller asking to buy it if I return it ever since I made this post on here which is pretty shady. Wait are you based in NYC? I could take a look at it in person and know for sure if it's fake or not. Also try to avoid having to return it if you can. You can probably argue that returning it would allow the seller to scam someone else. Definitely give ebay a call once you're 100% sure that it's fake and talk all this over with them before you open your case. That's great you messaged the auction houses. Hopefully they can help, but please also be aware that all of those auction houses have been caught selling fakes (Kaws, antiquities, etc). Especially with KAWS. Just because they are extremely reputable auction houses doesn't mean that they're experts in KAWS toys or prints (I probably know more about fake kaws stuff than they do because I've spent 15+ paying attention to it and have even owned some just out of curiosity). Auction houses can also kind of turn a blind eye to fakes unless someone calls it out. Like they had fake 4ft Companions in certain sales that were shiny and so obviously fake compared to ones they had previously sold, and yet someone obviously approved them into the sale, until they were called out by other people.
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akn220
New Member
Posts • 12
Likes • 3
November 2010
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by akn220 on May 3, 2022 19:11:05 GMT 1, Really sorry to read about this. I own one of these and would agree with the points here made regarding the signature on this - it looks like it was done very slowly and deliberately (which puts more pressure on the pencil, leading to the very firm signature, rather than the softness of the artist's genuine signatures). The other comment I would make (and I don't think this has been mentioned here) is that these prints came with full documentation from The Aldrich Museum, specifically referencing the edition number you purchased. If this print was not sold with this documentation then it casts yet further doubt on its authenticity. I mentioned something about the included documentation earlier, and yes you're absolutely right. I've purchased 3 editions from The Aldrich and they all came with documentation.
Really sorry to read about this. I own one of these and would agree with the points here made regarding the signature on this - it looks like it was done very slowly and deliberately (which puts more pressure on the pencil, leading to the very firm signature, rather than the softness of the artist's genuine signatures). The other comment I would make (and I don't think this has been mentioned here) is that these prints came with full documentation from The Aldrich Museum, specifically referencing the edition number you purchased. If this print was not sold with this documentation then it casts yet further doubt on its authenticity. I mentioned something about the included documentation earlier, and yes you're absolutely right. I've purchased 3 editions from The Aldrich and they all came with documentation.
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 22, 2022 17:48:20 GMT 1, Thanks everybody. I’m just waiting for The Aldrich registrar to confirm what I suspect. That it’s a forgery. I’ll be able to get a refund from eBay and the seller agreed to a return with no problem really. The seller didn't have to agree. You're covered. Report the item as a fake / counterfeit. It should be destroyed. Of course, he wants it back so he can sell it to someone else. Let everyone know the edition number. double uo globe — The above post is key. Once you receive confirmation from The Aldrich, forward it to eB ay, then cease all communications with the seller, visualgallery*. You will no longer need the latter. Crucially, please do not return the fake KA WS print to the seller. As recommended by DAVID HOCKNEY, report it as a counterfeit. Separately, access the 'Help & Contact' page on eB ay, and request a telephone call from a customer representative. Be clear and firm about the print having officially been declared fake. Let them know as well that, if the print were sent back to the seller, you have good reason to fear it would be re-sold to another unsuspecting buyer — especially given the seller's existing eB ay history with fake Ban ksy items. In case you sense any resistance from the customer representative, ask for the case to be escalated and for somebody more senior to contact you. __________ I have gone through this process myself with eB ay. While it took a bit of time and effort, I did receive a full refund reasonably promptly, without having to return the fakes (thus ensuring I never placed my fellow collectors at risk). But even if I had encountered any serious hurdles with eB ay, out of principle I would simply have bypassed the company — liaising instead with my payment card issuer, explaining the fraud, and requesting a chargeback. __________ And, yes, once confirmation arrives from The Aldrich, do let us know the print edition number. Separately, since online fraudsters typically use multiple accounts and different usernames, it would be very helpful if, by way of reciprocity for the assistance you've received here, the name of the seller, their address details, and (if available) their email address could also be disclosed. Good luck going forward.
Regrettably, the original post was deleted in this thread.
That amounts to a (completely unnecessary) destruction of evidence.
Query the motivation for erasing the historical record, which only serves the interest of scammers.
It makes things all the more difficult for other members here to:
(i) understand what actually happened;
(ii) learn from the mistakes made; and therefore
(iii) reduce the likelihood of getting ripped off themselves.
__________
double uo globe — An update on the outcome of the fake KAWS transaction would be much appreciated.
I am hoping your fortitude allowed you to step up and resist sending the counterfeit back to visualgallery*, your recidivist fraudster-seller on eBay.
[This is the kind of minor life event that can become disproportionately valuable — a little uncomfortable in the moment, but especially memorable in hindsight. Because the decisions and actions we take on such occasions are in fact tests of our own mettle. And they set precedents for each of us, helping to forge our respective characters and future paths.
Remain steadfast because it's the right thing to do and in the broader, collective interest? Or choose the easier, selfish option, by capitulating to an unreasonable request that will facilitate the defrauding of another art enthusiast?
These choices we make allow each one of us to prove to ourselves, and demonstrate to others, what we are truly made of.]
Thanks everybody. I’m just waiting for The Aldrich registrar to confirm what I suspect. That it’s a forgery. I’ll be able to get a refund from eBay and the seller agreed to a return with no problem really. The seller didn't have to agree. You're covered. Report the item as a fake / counterfeit. It should be destroyed. Of course, he wants it back so he can sell it to someone else. Let everyone know the edition number. double uo globe — The above post is key. Once you receive confirmation from The Aldrich, forward it to eB ay, then cease all communications with the seller, visualgallery*. You will no longer need the latter. Crucially, please do not return the fake KA WS print to the seller. As recommended by DAVID HOCKNEY, report it as a counterfeit. Separately, access the 'Help & Contact' page on eB ay, and request a telephone call from a customer representative. Be clear and firm about the print having officially been declared fake. Let them know as well that, if the print were sent back to the seller, you have good reason to fear it would be re-sold to another unsuspecting buyer — especially given the seller's existing eB ay history with fake Ban ksy items. In case you sense any resistance from the customer representative, ask for the case to be escalated and for somebody more senior to contact you. __________ I have gone through this process myself with eB ay. While it took a bit of time and effort, I did receive a full refund reasonably promptly, without having to return the fakes (thus ensuring I never placed my fellow collectors at risk). But even if I had encountered any serious hurdles with eB ay, out of principle I would simply have bypassed the company — liaising instead with my payment card issuer, explaining the fraud, and requesting a chargeback. __________ And, yes, once confirmation arrives from The Aldrich, do let us know the print edition number. Separately, since online fraudsters typically use multiple accounts and different usernames, it would be very helpful if, by way of reciprocity for the assistance you've received here, the name of the seller, their address details, and (if available) their email address could also be disclosed. Good luck going forward.
Regrettably, the original post was deleted in this thread.
That amounts to a (completely unnecessary) destruction of evidence.
Query the motivation for erasing the historical record, which only serves the interest of scammers.
It makes things all the more difficult for other members here to:
(i) understand what actually happened;
(ii) learn from the mistakes made; and therefore
(iii) reduce the likelihood of getting ripped off themselves.
__________
double uo globe — An update on the outcome of the fake KAWS transaction would be much appreciated.
I am hoping your fortitude allowed you to step up and resist sending the counterfeit back to visualgallery*, your recidivist fraudster-seller on eBay.
[This is the kind of minor life event that can become disproportionately valuable — a little uncomfortable in the moment, but especially memorable in hindsight. Because the decisions and actions we take on such occasions are in fact tests of our own mettle. And they set precedents for each of us, helping to forge our respective characters and future paths.
Remain steadfast because it's the right thing to do and in the broader, collective interest? Or choose the easier, selfish option, by capitulating to an unreasonable request that will facilitate the defrauding of another art enthusiast?
These choices we make allow each one of us to prove to ourselves, and demonstrate to others, what we are truly made of.]
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 22, 2022 17:50:21 GMT 1, I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit. Here is my advice: 1. Do not allow yourself to be bullied by eB ay. They will naturally try to go with the option that causes the least hassle for them. This means their initial default stance will always be to get you to return the item, regardless of the circumstances — giving you the impression there are no alternatives, and that you have no choice in the matter. You need to be more forceful, to push back, while at the same time remaining calm, polite, and demonstrating you are being reasonable. 2. Do not liaise with eB ay via the messaging system. Get a representative to call you. The employees who man the telephones are generally less useless, more senior, and have greater discretion and decision-making powers. Ask to be transferred to the department specialising in counterfeits or fraud (or have the representative get someone from that department to ring you back). 3. Once you have a competent individual on the line, explain once again the situation — including the seller's history with patent fakes on eB ay, and how you are genuinely concerned that returning the fake KA WS print will only result in the seller offloading it to yet another (and this time perhaps less-informed and less-experienced) buyer. If need be, point out that for eB ay to ask that you return a forgery to a scammer, who will then use it to defraud another victim, is unethical and immoral on the part of the company. It would, in effect, force you to be an accomplice and to facilitate fraud. That is clearly not acceptable. 4. If, for whatever reason, the above approach doesn't succeed, then circumvent eB ay. Just contact your payment card issuer instead, and ask that they initiate a chargeback for fraud. 5. Please do not return the fake KA WS print to the seller.
I really am grateful for the help everybody. I did report the seller to eBay and my return was approved but eBay barely seems to care about counterfeits on their platform. I sent them a link to this thread and told them the seller had sold other forged pieces of art on their platform and they haven’t taken any action besides approve my return. eBay expects me to pay express international return shipping insured for the sale amount all the way back to the seller. The seller said he wanted to make an account on here and comment and I told him to feel free to make an account and try to defend this piece and the others he sold. Regardless, he lied about the original owner in the first place which is just unacceptable. The piece is definitely counterfeit. Here is my advice: 1. Do not allow yourself to be bullied by eB ay. They will naturally try to go with the option that causes the least hassle for them. This means their initial default stance will always be to get you to return the item, regardless of the circumstances — giving you the impression there are no alternatives, and that you have no choice in the matter. You need to be more forceful, to push back, while at the same time remaining calm, polite, and demonstrating you are being reasonable. 2. Do not liaise with eB ay via the messaging system. Get a representative to call you. The employees who man the telephones are generally less useless, more senior, and have greater discretion and decision-making powers. Ask to be transferred to the department specialising in counterfeits or fraud (or have the representative get someone from that department to ring you back). 3. Once you have a competent individual on the line, explain once again the situation — including the seller's history with patent fakes on eB ay, and how you are genuinely concerned that returning the fake KA WS print will only result in the seller offloading it to yet another (and this time perhaps less-informed and less-experienced) buyer. If need be, point out that for eB ay to ask that you return a forgery to a scammer, who will then use it to defraud another victim, is unethical and immoral on the part of the company. It would, in effect, force you to be an accomplice and to facilitate fraud. That is clearly not acceptable. 4. If, for whatever reason, the above approach doesn't succeed, then circumvent eB ay. Just contact your payment card issuer instead, and ask that they initiate a chargeback for fraud. 5. Please do not return the fake KA WS print to the seller.
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 22, 2022 19:04:48 GMT 1, If there exists a member who has any doubt whatsoever about the bad faith of the Spain-based, recidivist eBay fraudster, visualgallery*, the latter is currently selling a counterfeit Invader.
So as to not better educate the scammer, it's preferable to avoid disclosing the tells of this fake Rubik Kubrik print. But informed, attentive collectors here will have spotted at least some of them.
Bidding is currently at US$3,600 (eBay item number 314002031898):
www.ebay.com/itm/314002031898
Keep well away from visualgallery.
If there exists a member who has any doubt whatsoever about the bad faith of the Spain-based, recidivist eBay fraudster, visualgallery*, the latter is currently selling a counterfeit Invader.
So as to not better educate the scammer, it's preferable to avoid disclosing the tells of this fake Rubik Kubrik print. But informed, attentive collectors here will have spotted at least some of them.
Bidding is currently at US$3,600 (eBay item number 314002031898):
www.ebay.com/itm/314002031898
Keep well away from visualgallery.
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anodyne13
New Member
Posts • 432
Likes • 212
April 2008
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by anodyne13 on May 23, 2022 1:35:35 GMT 1, Someone that currently has one should weigh in, but I used to own yellow kawsbob and I do not recall the texture in the photo in question being part of the print. From what I recall the print was very smooth and almost litho like.
Someone that currently has one should weigh in, but I used to own yellow kawsbob and I do not recall the texture in the photo in question being part of the print. From what I recall the print was very smooth and almost litho like.
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by DAVID HOCKNEY on May 23, 2022 12:36:23 GMT 1, He has previously sold another fake print of this on catawiki. Different prints but both with the same edition number 71/150. And he uses the same photocopied order confirmation as provenance. www.catawiki.com/en/l/42902287-invader-1969-rubik-kubrick
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Beibo
New Member
Posts • 151
Likes • 113
August 2019
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by Beibo on May 23, 2022 19:46:00 GMT 1, The signature changes a lot. Could it be that the catawiki print was original and now they are trying to sell the fake one?
The signature changes a lot. Could it be that the catawiki print was original and now they are trying to sell the fake one?
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met
Junior Member
Posts • 2,682
Likes • 6,289
June 2009
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by met on May 23, 2022 20:06:18 GMT 1, If there exists a member who has any doubt whatsoever about the bad faith of the Spain-based, recidivist eB ay fraudster, visualgallery*, the latter is currently selling a counterfeit Invader. So as to not better educate the scammer, it's preferable to avoid disclosing the tells of this fake Rubik Kubrik print. But informed, attentive collectors here will have spotted at least some of them. Bidding is currently at US$3,600 (eB ay item number 314002031898): www.ebay.com/itm/314002031898[...] Keep well away from visualgallery. He has previously sold another fake print of this on catawiki. Different prints but both with the same edition number 71/150. And he uses the same photocopied order confirmation as provenance. www.catawiki.com/en/l/42902287-invader-1969-rubik-kubrickThe signature changes a lot. Could it be that the catawiki print was original and now they are trying to sell the fake one?
No — for multiple reasons (which I prefer not to publicly disclose), the Catawiki print is also an obvious fake Invader.
If there exists a member who has any doubt whatsoever about the bad faith of the Spain-based, recidivist eB ay fraudster, visualgallery*, the latter is currently selling a counterfeit Invader. So as to not better educate the scammer, it's preferable to avoid disclosing the tells of this fake Rubik Kubrik print. But informed, attentive collectors here will have spotted at least some of them. Bidding is currently at US$3,600 (eB ay item number 314002031898): www.ebay.com/itm/314002031898[...] Keep well away from visualgallery. He has previously sold another fake print of this on catawiki. Different prints but both with the same edition number 71/150. And he uses the same photocopied order confirmation as provenance. www.catawiki.com/en/l/42902287-invader-1969-rubik-kubrickThe signature changes a lot. Could it be that the catawiki print was original and now they are trying to sell the fake one?
No — for multiple reasons (which I prefer not to publicly disclose), the Catawiki print is also an obvious fake Invader.
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bitola
New Member
Posts • 79
Likes • 107
July 2020
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by bitola on May 24, 2022 12:18:50 GMT 1, Who are you?
This is some hardcore MacGyver investigation!
Can you please track down who stole my neighbours Cervelo R3? Last seen in Windsor!
The hardness of the signature is really what’s making me suspicious. The placement is fine on it as it’s different on different KAWSBOB’s and I’ve found some KAWS signatures on other prints and canvases that look very similar to this one but I can’t get over the hardness of it. The actual print itself looks identical to an authentic one besides the signature. Either way, I also submitted it to Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Tate Ward to see if they could authenticate it for me. If anybody else knows anywhere in the NYC area where I could take it to be authenticated, I’d appreciate it. I will be able to recover my money if it’s not authentic but I just don’t want to return it unless I’m sure. People have been messaging the seller asking to buy it if I return it ever since I made this post on here which is pretty shady. I've yet to see a KAWS 'W' look like the one on the eBay print.
But, regardless, the appearance of KAWS's signature on different prints or canvases is far less relevant than his signature on other copies of the regular numbered edition of the yellow KAWSBOB print.
Again, all of these will have been signed at the same time, one after the other, and probably in a manner similar to the way Dabs Myla are working below. The whole exercise could have been completed in 20 minutes.
Under such conditions, one would normally expect KAWS's signatures and dates to be almost identical throughout this edition. And as mentioned in my earlier post, that does seem to be the case with the yellow KAWSBOB prints sold by the major auction houses.
Among the numbered edition of 100, the only "odd man out" I've witnessed would be the print you recently purchased on eBay.
__________
Admittedly, the choice of "visualgallery" as an eBay user ID is rather good.
For many novice art collectors, a name with the word "gallery" in it will convey signals of legitimacy, trustworthiness and credibility — even if the person behind the veil is just some man-child living in mom's basement.
But when we scratch the surface and examine details of visualgallery's eBay account*, things become less reassuring:
1. Newly-registered account, dated from 6 February 2022.
2. Seller based in Spain, the source country for what seems to be a disproportionate amount of the fake artwork sold on eBay.
3. Very limited feedback received as a seller, for only six eBay sales, including purported Neverland memorabilia and an autograph supposedly by Michael Jackson.
4. As previously posted by geester, this eBayer already has a history of selling counterfeits:
(i) at least two "Banksy" Soup Cans posters; and (ii) rubbish described as having been purchased at Dismaland, including embellished dollar bills and a "Banksy" Girl with Balloon canvas* (see images below).
Note these items were also accompanied by a fake invoice or debit/credit card receipt, along with emphatic assurances regarding their genuineness ("BANKSY 100% ORIGINAL", "authentic BANKSY", etc.):
Who are you? This is some hardcore MacGyver investigation! Can you please track down who stole my neighbours Cervelo R3? Last seen in Windsor! The hardness of the signature is really what’s making me suspicious. The placement is fine on it as it’s different on different KAWSBOB’s and I’ve found some KAWS signatures on other prints and canvases that look very similar to this one but I can’t get over the hardness of it. The actual print itself looks identical to an authentic one besides the signature. Either way, I also submitted it to Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Tate Ward to see if they could authenticate it for me. If anybody else knows anywhere in the NYC area where I could take it to be authenticated, I’d appreciate it. I will be able to recover my money if it’s not authentic but I just don’t want to return it unless I’m sure. People have been messaging the seller asking to buy it if I return it ever since I made this post on here which is pretty shady. I've yet to see a KAWS 'W' look like the one on the eBay print.
But, regardless, the appearance of KAWS's signature on different prints or canvases is far less relevant than his signature on other copies of the regular numbered edition of the yellow KAWSBOB print.
Again, all of these will have been signed at the same time, one after the other, and probably in a manner similar to the way Dabs Myla are working below. The whole exercise could have been completed in 20 minutes.
Under such conditions, one would normally expect KAWS's signatures and dates to be almost identical throughout this edition. And as mentioned in my earlier post, that does seem to be the case with the yellow KAWSBOB prints sold by the major auction houses.
Among the numbered edition of 100, the only "odd man out" I've witnessed would be the print you recently purchased on eBay.
__________
Admittedly, the choice of "visualgallery" as an eBay user ID is rather good.
For many novice art collectors, a name with the word "gallery" in it will convey signals of legitimacy, trustworthiness and credibility — even if the person behind the veil is just some man-child living in mom's basement.
But when we scratch the surface and examine details of visualgallery's eBay account*, things become less reassuring:
1. Newly-registered account, dated from 6 February 2022.
2. Seller based in Spain, the source country for what seems to be a disproportionate amount of the fake artwork sold on eBay.
3. Very limited feedback received as a seller, for only six eBay sales, including purported Neverland memorabilia and an autograph supposedly by Michael Jackson.
4. As previously posted by geester, this eBayer already has a history of selling counterfeits:
(i) at least two "Banksy" Soup Cans posters; and (ii) rubbish described as having been purchased at Dismaland, including embellished dollar bills and a "Banksy" Girl with Balloon canvas* (see images below).
Note these items were also accompanied by a fake invoice or debit/credit card receipt, along with emphatic assurances regarding their genuineness ("BANKSY 100% ORIGINAL", "authentic BANKSY", etc.):
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by Daniel Silk on Jul 11, 2022 10:59:09 GMT 1, How about a SpongeBob Bearbrick to go alongside your KawsBob Print? I think that would look good.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3VvQDph6v
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by Daniel Silk on Jul 25, 2022 12:43:43 GMT 1, Interesting idea to frame the three Kaws SpongeBob prints in frames that match the colours of the print 😳 I like it! What do you think? I think it works really well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWm5fnBKQh
Interesting idea to frame the three Kaws SpongeBob prints in frames that match the colours of the print 😳 I like it! What do you think? I think it works really well. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWm5fnBKQh
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apprint
New Member
Posts • 583
Likes • 127
January 2012
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by superoilhunter1 on Jan 10, 2023 20:48:21 GMT 1, Hi Guys..
kicking the tires on red kawsbob print. Not sure which is the best route to sell her. In the original packaging sent, never displayed never seen daylight. If someone offered me 2 Bitcoins I'd let her go. Anyone?
Hi Guys..
kicking the tires on red kawsbob print. Not sure which is the best route to sell her. In the original packaging sent, never displayed never seen daylight. If someone offered me 2 Bitcoins I'd let her go. Anyone?
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by Gucci Da Glacier on Jan 10, 2023 23:08:23 GMT 1, Hi Guys.. kicking the tires on red kawsbob print. Not sure which is the best route to sell her. In the original packaging sent, never displayed never seen daylight. If someone offered me 2 Bitcoins I'd let her go. Anyone? Value is closer to 1 BTC or less with BTC currently at $17,500. A red KAWSBOB isn’t worth $35,000 I’m sorry to say.
Hi Guys.. kicking the tires on red kawsbob print. Not sure which is the best route to sell her. In the original packaging sent, never displayed never seen daylight. If someone offered me 2 Bitcoins I'd let her go. Anyone? Value is closer to 1 BTC or less with BTC currently at $17,500. A red KAWSBOB isn’t worth $35,000 I’m sorry to say.
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by High Contrast on Sept 13, 2023 19:24:48 GMT 1, Looking for a Kaws - Kawsbob ,
I know his market is slow (well not his amount of releases!) but willing to pay a fair price for a colourway.
Ideally looking UK based, if you have one please get in touch
Thanks
Looking for a Kaws - Kawsbob ,
I know his market is slow (well not his amount of releases!) but willing to pay a fair price for a colourway.
Ideally looking UK based, if you have one please get in touch
Thanks
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by High Contrast on Sept 15, 2023 15:27:52 GMT 1, Looking for a Kaws - Kawsbob , I know his market is slow (well not his amount of releases!) but willing to pay a fair price for a colourway. Ideally looking UK based, if you have one please get in touch Thanks Still after the above
Offering £9k for Yellow £7k for Black / Red
Thanks
Looking for a Kaws - Kawsbob , I know his market is slow (well not his amount of releases!) but willing to pay a fair price for a colourway. Ideally looking UK based, if you have one please get in touch Thanks Still after the above Offering £9k for Yellow £7k for Black / Red Thanks
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streetlife
New Member
Posts • 207
Likes • 74
August 2013
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by streetlife on Feb 8, 2024 18:58:43 GMT 1, Looking to sell a KAWSBob (yellow) from the edition of 100. Comes with full provenance from The Aldrich Museum, framed in a white box frame with acrylic glazing. Will post images tomorrow but asking £12,500 - DM for further details.
Looking to sell a KAWSBob (yellow) from the edition of 100. Comes with full provenance from The Aldrich Museum, framed in a white box frame with acrylic glazing. Will post images tomorrow but asking £12,500 - DM for further details.
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rparducci
New Member
Posts • 84
Likes • 45
February 2015
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by rparducci on Feb 12, 2024 11:11:09 GMT 1, love this print
love this print
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Kaws • Sponge Bob KawsBob Set, Yellow, Black, Red, by iforgot my username on Feb 12, 2024 17:50:13 GMT 1, still have mine! the trio of prints together are quite nice. GLWS
Cheers
still have mine! the trio of prints together are quite nice. GLWS
Cheers
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