You are bidding on an object and a story. The object is usually fine. The story is the part that can fail.
The question
"How do you know?"
Listen to the shape of the answer rather than its confidence:
- "I was there, here is the photograph" — the strongest there is
- "From the family, and here is what I was told" — real, weighable
- "A certificate from X" — worth whatever X is worth, so ask who X is
- "It came in a lot, I am selling it unverified" — honest, and should be priced that way
- A flat "it's genuine" with nothing behind it — the weakest answer, however certain
Worn, issued or replica
Ask which. It is the largest single price difference in this category, and a replica described as match-worn is the most common serious misdescription. The three words.
What to ask to see
- The signature, close and still
- Shirt labels — maker, size, any player or squad numbering
- The certificate itself, issuer readable
- The whole item, for scale and placement
What protection covers and does not
A replica sold as match-worn, or an item that is not the one shown: not as described, seven days from delivery.
A signature you accepted as unverified and now doubt is not covered, because nothing was misdescribed. Metzee handles money, delivery and disputes about description — not authentication. What Metzee will not do.
Questions people ask
Is a certificate proof?
No. It is a statement by somebody. Ask who.
Should I ever pay a high price for unverified?
No. Pay unverified prices for unverified things and the category treats you well.
Are modern signed items safer?
Sometimes, because the chain is shorter and photographs exist. Ask for them.
More: how to find a seller you trust, buying cricket memorabilia.