Hello everyone that knows me, and hello to everyone that doesn't
I hope you don't mind an American intruding in your forums
Even so, I have a fairly good reputation for being open, and helpful with everyone regardless of where we happen to live.
This situation is effecting many of my collecting friends from all points of the globe.
I wanted to take a moment to address this situation as an objective, non-involved, but informed party.
This is easiest the worst (money-value) scam that I have ever seen in my entire collecting experience, and I am truly sorry for anyone
who is wrapped up in this. Several collectors have offered funds to contribute towards any legal expenses. If you are effected by this,
or have reason to suspect you are, PLEASE do not hesitate to contact someone and let us/them know.
In regards to pre-production/prototype items; I have always maintained this is the most difficult area of the hobby to get into, not necessarily for
the funds required, but simply due to a factor of supply and demand. It requires work, dedication, networking, and above all else, educating yourself
about the subject at hand. Some of the suspect pieces are so bad than many people are shocked that this wasn't discovered earlier on. Personally,
I never dealt with the person in question simply because I didn't believe him. The rough estimate that I was coming up with for him, of pieces offered
and owned, was literally more than every known source combined. (The Earth, Tom (Derby), Tom N., Steve Denny, etc). This is a classic case of if it's
too good to be true, it usually is.
I guess the moral of the story is; ask questions. If someone tells you to *not* disclose something, unless this is coming from a direct source with a valid reason, this is a huge red flag. Aside from the usual mud-slinging going on other sites, many of us are always available to answer questions, or give advice. While my main focus/subject is Darth Vader, I have seen quite a bit of high profile items in my time. If anyone has any questions, or just wants to drop me a line, the best way to reach me is at my regular email (
[email protected])
~ Bill
I think we should look at this as an opportunity to learn and study these pieces, and not let things get out of hand. These suspect pieces are only a small fraction of the total population, which shows exactly how high "up" these pieces are considered within the hobby.
