Using the AACA logo to sell questionable artifacts

[MikeD]

This is a classic example of what I have talked about before.... putting up the AACA logo and disclaiming any knowlege about authenticity of an artifact (i.e. selling questionable items, under the AACA logo).

Here is another example of using the AACA name and selling quesionable artifacts. They may be authentic, I don't know. I say "questionable" because the seller uses a disclaimer "I cannot and will not guarantee their authenticity." That is questionable, by definition. The seller is "unsure" (and questioning them) and it seem that violates AACA rules. He does "guarantee" others in this auction. The spirit of the AACA rules seems to be sell "reproductions" stated as such or sell "authentic".

And the AACA rules clearly say

If the artifact is questionable - Then do not sell it as authentic.

And this is listed as pre-1940 and the seller wants you to believe they are authentic. He uses words like "my father believed" and "no one has ever believed any different", to lead you to believe they are authentic. They may be but the AACA does not allow for such vagueness and questionable artifacts.

We can split hairs over the question of "guaranteeing anything" but this is clearly a questionable auction because the seller even questions them. And he has no problem guaranteeing other items, with "which I can and will guarantee authenticity and provenance. "

The auction in question

I have already asked AACA about this but have not received a reply.

This is also odd. I have tried to ask the seller a question and all I ever get is "Page not responding". I can ask questions of other sellers; just not this one. Does everyone else get this?

I will also point out that his 14 day guarantee has a qualifyier

If you feel you have been grossly misrepresented with your purchase, please return the item within 14 days in same condition. I will refund your purchase price minus the shipping cost.

Grossly misrepresented? The AACA allows no such qualifyier.

PS: BTW, anyone think the 7 large ones are authentic?