Expert: Bill V. - 6/30/2007

Question
QUESTION: I just purchased an AC/DC photo from "Art of Music" gallery in Las Vegas and I'm concerned that the autographs are fake.  The attached identification plate says Angus/Malcolm, Bon Scott, Mark Evans and Phil Rudd, which are representative of the signatures on the photo.  A bit of a impulse buy, now that I have it at home, I noticed that the photo is identical to the Highway to Hell album cover (except Angus doesn't have the horns or tail) and unless that photo was taken and released prior to 1979, why would Mark Evens signature be there (who left the band in 1977)instead of Cliff Williams.  Also I read something where you stated Bon rarely signed his full name.  This has his full name with the "n" from Bon crossing the "t's" in Scott.  Have you ever seen that?  The photo is framed and behind glass.  I can try and take a photo of it if you would like to see it.  My fault for not doing some research but I figured this was a well established business in the Aladdin casino mall.  Advise???  Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Chris,

Thank you for your question. I would like to see a picture of it so I can tell you for certain if it is a fake or not. But at this point, my best guess is that it is not authentic.
That photo was taken in 1978 and contains Cliff Williams in the picture, not Mark Evans to clarify that part first.

Second, your indication that the Bon 'signature' was signed with his full name also makes it very suspect.
A lot of fraudulent autograph dealers are out there making a business and a living out of this type of thing, and it's an unfortunate occurrence. It is quite possible that the Casino mall where you purchased it from obtained it from a supplier or sales person who led them to believe that it is in fact authentic.
If the store has a return policy or makes some form of guarantee, you may be able to proceed that way.
I would first like to see an image of the signatures however if you can provide one, so we can confirm that this is the case.

Best Regards,
Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response.  I new I recognized the photo but couldn't place it when I bought it.  I was so excited to find a Bon Scott signature that I missed a lot of things that I should have asked questions about.  As a matter of fact, I can't find a signature that comes close to Mark Evans but something that looks like Williams.  The more and more I look at it the more disappointed I am with it.  Even the certificate lists all the original band members AND Brian Johnson.  I'm losing faith in this gallery.  I took some photos, how do I get them to you or up load or attach them?  Thanks again.
ANSWER: Hi Chris,

Thank you for the photos.
One thing that stands out, is that all of the other band members signtaures are in the same pen, except for Bon's, which would lead me to suspect that it was in fact added later.
The "Bon" looks like it could be authentic, however with the pen differences, and the fact that his last name was also here (very rare for him to sign that way) would leave me with having to say that it is likely a good attempt at a counterfeit.

The other signature is in fact Cliff Williams, and not Mark Evans. The fact that the plaque indicates Mark Evans' name was probably just a user error on the part of whoever put the piece together in the first place, and not meant as deceit. The other signatures (Angus, Malcolm, Cliff, & Phil) very well look legitimate.

Best Regards,
Bill

The

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bill,
Not sure if you remember me, but I had spoke with you a couple months ago about this AC/DC photo I had purchased in Vegas.  If you need to see the photos again let me know.  I questioned the gallery about the "Bon Scott/Mark Evans" signatures and they said they would have it inspected and "court certified" to insure that it was in fact authentic.  So I sent it back to them and they just informed me that everything is checked out, even the Mark Evans signature.  I am so positive that it is Cliff Williams but really have nothing on my side to argue back with.  Any advice?  I live in CT, anyone in New England that you know of I could use to get a second opinion?  I could be wrong, but I just don't think Mark would have signed that photo with the rest of the band at that time.  Do you know where I can get good comparisons of the signatures?  Thanks for your time.
Chris


Answer
Hello Chris,

It is definitely a Cliff signature, not a Mark Evans one. This I believe is just ignorance on their part about who actually was in the band at the time and not meant as a deception.
However, since the Bon one is not authentic, you should see if they provide some sort of guarantee behind what they sell.

Best Regards,
Bill