Below is an example of a Robert Fitzsimmons non-authentic autograph offered by a major auction house. This item was approved by the authenticator the plaintiff considered to be a great authenticator and who has a great reputation with auction houses. The exemplars show the item is clearly in the hand of Fitzsimmons' wife. This item was respectfully removed by the auction house. How can an authenticator approve a genuine item when they have non-authentic exemplars in their files?

Lot: 81869
1899 Robert Fitzsimmons Signed Cut Signature. Listed at number eight on the Ring Magazine list of the one hundred greatest punchers of all time, Fitzsimmons finds himself sandwiched between Jack Dempsey and George Foreman, whose devastating power is the stuff of legend. In fact, four years after signing this 9+/10 black fountain pen signature for a fan, his first-round knockout of Con Coughlin, known as "The Irish Giant," proved fatal, as Coughlin would succumb to his injuries the following day. Fitzsimmons' tremendous relevance as one of the sport's all-time greats is essentially inversely proportional to the availability of his autograph, and we must stress that any quality example should be considered carefully by the educated collector. The paper upon which Fitzsimmons has signed is of the same general size and stock of a modern business card, with some scrapbook residue on both face and verso, neither detrimental to the autograph in any way. Included in the lot are a vintage photograph (3.5x6") and Allen & Ginter trading card picturing the Boxing Hall of Famer. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Guide Value or Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500

Non-authentic Robert Fitzsimmons autograph signed in the hand of his second wife Rosalie Julian-Fitzsimmons

_____________________________________________________________ click here to see a side-by-side comparison of another Fitzsimmons autograph from the archive of the same  auction house approved by the same authenticator which in no way resemble each other.
Rose Julian Died 17th April 1903	Rosalie (Rose) Fitzsimmons formerly Rose Julian and sister of Fitzsimmon's manager Martin Julian. Married to Robert Fitzsimmons from 1893 until her death in April of 1903.

The top portion of this item contains a legitimate Robert Fitzsimmons autograph, note they have both signed on the same day dating July 27, 1900.

Another authentic example signed around the time of the authenticated forgery and legitimate signed item above. Note the consistency in the inscription "Merrily yours" and "Bergin Beach"