Complaint Review: Ashe Auctioneers

Hello,

I recently purchased from Ashe Auctioneers (Phoenix, AZ) the attached Woodstock
poster by Arnold Skolnick.  My primary attraction, as an ardent Jerry Garcia fan and collector of Dead memorabilia, was the claim that the poster was signed by Jerry. Further, the lot description listed fellow Dead founder Pigpen among previous owners how cool!

Actual lot description:

Arnold H. Skolnick (American, b.1937).
"WoodstockAquarian Exposition3 Days of Peace & Music". Original color lithograph poster. 1969. Signed by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, in pen on the dove's head, upper left. Edition unknown, presumed small. White wove paper. Full sheet. Fine impression. Provenance: Through Ronald C. "Pigpen" McKernan. The legendary poster for the legendary Woodstock performances of August 15-17, 1969. 24 1/2 x 18 in. (622 x 457 mm).

Well, weeks and nearly $1,000 later, I received the piece and was astounded by how dreadfully fake the signature appeared (see detailed images attached): the blue, ballpoint ink looked as if applied the day before delivery; the complete lack of fluidity (and outright shakiness) of the signature; and, as of yet, no other verifiable comparison for that particular signature.  Not surprisingly, the auction house ignored weeks of phone calls and emails requesting verification of authenticity.  It wasnt until I hinted at legal action was the matter attended to, that is, a refund was offered; they conveniently (and not surprisingly) ignored the issue of authenticity then and now.  

I simply want to draw attention to this fraudulent series and those who knowingly promote it for financial gain. Editions from this series of signed Skolnick  prints have been offered at auctions on multiple occasions, opening bidding at $1,200!