How much is my item worth / can you provide a value appraisal?

Zarelli Space Authentication’s focus is on authentication — we are not a dealer or appraiser. The collectibles market is highly volatile and “values” can significantly change from auction to auction, month to month. Frankly, formal written value appraisals do not have a long shelf life.

If you’d like an estimate of what your items may be worth, search completed auctions at RR Auction, Heritage and eBay. Be sure you are using the values of authentic items. Also compare like items, for instance, a Jim Irwin signed postal cover may sell for $40, yet an unpersonalized NASA white space suit portrait may sell for $10,000. Condition of the item can also make a tremendous difference. A mint condition item with a bold signature may be worth multiples of the same signature that is faded on a creased photograph.

Sellers often fall into the trap of overvaluing their own items for sentimental reasons or because they saw a high price somewhere else. It may be unrealistic to expect that, as a private seller, you will achieve the same results as a world-renowned auction house that has spent decades cultivating thousands of loyal customers. And remember, just because a seller is asking a high price for a similar item on eBay, it doesn’t mean that is what it is worth. It’s worth what it actually sells for.


How can I sell my autographs?

The best venue to sell an autograph depends on several factors, including: the value and rarity of the item, how quickly you want to get paid, and how much work you are willing to do yourself.

  • If you are the DIY type, eBay or Facebook sales groups may be the way to go. With a Letter of Authenticity, you’ll likely realize a good price, but you’ll have to deal with the logistics of payment, shipping, possible returns, etc.

  • If you have higher value material, want to maximize price and can wait a month or two for payment, consigning to a reputable auction house is typically your best bet.

  • Consigning or selling to a reputable dealer is an easy approach for immediate payment, but you’ll likely get less than selling it yourself or through an auction house.


Will you sell me an autograph / can you search for an autograph for me?

Zarelli Space Authentication’s focus is on authentication — we are not a dealer or broker. As much as we love to help collectors with their collections, we do not sell autographs and we do not offer a search service.


What is your turnaround time?

Submissions are reviewed in the order they are received and typical turnaround time is approximately 15 - 20 business days.


Can I have a seller ship directly to you?

Yes! If a seller will ship directly to Zarelli Space Authentication, we can receive it, authenticate and then ship to you. Please contact us in advance to let us know and email us a completed submission form.


What shipping service should I use / how do you ship items?

How you ship items to us is your choice, but you may want to consider:

  • FedEx: The maximum amount FedEx will pay for a claim that is a “collectible” is $1,000. They will take your money for higher insurance limits, but if you need to file a claim, they will only pay $1,000 maximum for a collectible.

  • USPS: Registered Mail may move slowly, but historically it is very secure and has the lowest rates for insuring high value shipments.

Zarelli Space Authentication ships all submissions with tracking and signature required. We prefer to use the United Sates Postal Service Priority Mail, Express Mail and Registered Mail for high value shipments.

International shipments: Most carriers place insurance limits on international shipments and adding additional amounts is not an option. Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC shall have no responsibility for items damaged or lost in transit to or from Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC. The submitter assumes full responsibility for un- or under-insured shipments and/or shipments that cannot be insured to the full value.


Does Zarelli Space Authentication have insurance?

Yes. Items in the possession of Zarelli Space Authentication are covered by a policy through Collectibles Insurance Services.

Items not in our possession
Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC shall have no responsibility for items damaged or lost in transit to or from Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC. The submitter is responsible for indicating the amount of desired shipping insurance (on the submission form) and understands insurance will be added to the shipping fee. The submitter assumes full responsibility for un- or under-insured shipments.


What dealers do you recommend?

Zarelli Space Authentication cannot issue a blanket endorsement for any dealer. Even the most reputable dealers may make a mistake.

We recommend you use our Email Opinion service BEFORE making a purchase. Often, the best buy is the one you didn’t make, and it’s always better to avoid a suspect item rather than having to deal with the headache and hassle of a return.


Can you answer my question about NASA patches, flown items, NASA memorabilia, etc?

Zarelli Space Authentication’s focus is on authentication of autographs. Patches, flown items and other NASA memorabilia are not our area of expertise. For more information on patches, flown items and other NASA memorabilia, visit CrewPatches.com, the CollectSpace message boards, or various Facebook Groups such as The Space Swap, Buy/Sell/Trade, Space Memorabilia.


Why is there an extra handling/materials fee for certain items?

Certain items, such as large framed prints, that require excessive time to remove from packaging and repack, extra shipping materials or special boxes may incur an extra materials/handling fee at the discretion of Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC. We recommend that you remove prints from frames and submit them rolled in a tube.


How can I verify a Zarelli Space Authentication Letter of Authenticity?

We maintain an archive of all Letters of Authenticity and high resolution images of all items reviewed. Zarelli Space Authentication does not place stickers or any other substance on items. Zarelli Space Authentication LOAs should all bear Steve Zarelli’s original signature. However, some COAs issued through RR Auction will bear a printed signature.

To verify a LOA, please use the form below completing as many fields as possible.