Another 315 Wannabe

I hope the buyer follows the sellers procedure for getting a cert.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/33160409733...RK:MEBIDX:IT

The dealer answered that it measures 21 x 24 mm. Does that meet the criteria for Scott 315?

Either way, I am surprised this particular dealer won't stand behind the item and it is up to $162.

The dealer advertises his Swedish tiger medals of integrity. However, he also cites his APS membership and provides his number. Even saying an "as is" description isn't he violating APS membership agreement/ethics if stamp is not genuine? Would buyer be able to take recourse through the APS?

It will not certify with less than 21.5x25mm measurement. He's selling it "as is". He does have a policy for sending an item for a cert. if you read his fine print and act fast.

He's a little cavalier about his negative feedbacks in the past year.

I love when people use the weasel words "as is" when they are selling a stamp or cover --- what a big RED FLAG!!

I have purchased many items from Mr. Goldstein. He is a dealer of integrity in my opinion. I believe he is on the fence about the item. I am under the impression that he unable to prove it is a trimmed 304, but not quite enough margin to be absolutely certain that it is a 315. That is why it is sold as is and expecting a smaller realization than if he had sent it off and received an inconclusive cert.. He appears to be passing along the gamble he took onto someone else. I don't believe he is intentionally trying to deceive anyone, but this goes back to the buyer beware / seller responsibility debate issue. Is he legally obligated to obtain a cert. just because he has the APS membership, or is his reasonable opinion, added to the fact that he will stand behind his guarantee, that ebay and PayPal will help enforce, standard enough to not bring his APS standing into question?
An honest question, not trying to start any fights.

IMHO... Goldstein likely knows it's a trimmed 304... else he would
send it for a cert and try to sell it for a higher price...

Or... perhaps he acquired it with a bad cert currently residing in
the vertical file...

If anyone would like to ogle (and perhaps drool a little)
viewing some amazing REAL 315's... here's what's on ebay right now...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...&_sacat=3461

I have contacted Gary and asked him to remove it. If it isn't big enough that any expert service would certify it - it's not - than selling "AS IS" is not the ethical way to handle such a stamp. The "ethical" way is to not sell it at all once you become aware of it's correct status. And it's correct status is that it is uncertifyable. I *do* also consider Gary to be an honest person, but in this case, I think he's wrong and I hope he "does the right thing" and pull it.

I would firmly second the opinions of others in this thread that this is a seller with integrity. You might notice that he even lists the StampSmarter site in his advertisement.

The really amazing thing is to have a chance to look at a USED pair. A very nice thing to see at an auction viewing, even if one can't afford it.

A dealer does not send EVERY questionable item in for
a cert...
or...every JUMBO/high cv item.

I posed the original question about the size of the stamp to the seller. He has posted that question and his answer in the listing. What he did not post was my comments to his answer and his follow-up to that. My comments were: "Gary, thanks for answering. It will never get a cert. with less than a 21.5mm x 25mm measurement. You should include the measurement in your description to be clear about it. You wouldn't want someone buying thinking it might get a cert."
His answer was: "Thanks for the note. I will include your question in my addendum." He's well aware that the stamp will not cert.

Such a dealer of integrity... ugh. Disgusting.