ABOUT US
If you're
seeking either vintage or modern day collectables associated with
the early days of the manned space program, this is the place to be.
Since it's inception some 10 years ago, Farthest
Reaches Inc. has established itself as the largest space memorabilia
website in the world today. Our autographed material is
authentically hand signed and often offered with unique
inscriptions. In addition we offer a huge variety of unsigned
memorabilia, so please feel free to browse and give us a shout if
there's anything we can do to help!
At Farthest Reaches, exceptional quality with an eye toward the
unusual, outstanding value, and your complete satisfaction are our
highest priorities. That combined with our superb "bulletproof"
packaging/shipping worldwide and unparalleled customer service will
make you want to visit us again and again.
Farthest Reaches is proud to be a
Registered Member/Dealer (#RD181) in good standing of the
Universal Autograph Collectors Club (U.A.C.C.). Follow this
UACC link to learn
more about this fine organization that devotes itself to furthering
the hobby of autograph collecting.
In
addition, Steve Hankow, President, Farthest Reaches is co-producer
of a series of Space themed autograph shows, regarded worldwide as
events against which all others are measured. To that end, our
established connections to astronauts and other key players in the
manned space program is unparalleled. This means that you can
buy with confidence knowing that a great percentage of our material
comes directly from the signer, though special arrangement with
Farthest Reaches.
A word about our Autographs:
All autographs offered for sale on these pages are authentically
hand signed by the individual whose signature appears. Most are
obtained either in-person or through special arrangement with that
individual. Any exceptions to this are clearly noted.
A word about our Space Related Photographs:
Our space related images are custom printed for Farthest Reaches
Inc. under our own supervision. We currently use real photographs
produced on real photographic paper, NOT computer printer generated
prints. All prints measure 8x10 and come with a satin finish,
unless specified otherwise. All images are reproduced from
negatives provided courtesy of NASA, although Farthest Reaches Inc.
has no NASA affiliation.
A word about our Return Policy:
Farthest Reaches Inc. has one of the most liberal return policies in
the industry. Refer to the "Support" or our "F.A.Q." section below
for additional information and the answers to the most commonly
asked questions.
OUR SERVICE FAQ
- Just "Who" is Farthest Reaches Inc. anyway?
Farthest Reaches Inc. is yours truly - Steve Hankow. I'm a long
time collector of signed first editions, autographs, and other
items to numerous to mention. Through a fortuitous sequence of
events (and much encouragement from friends and family) I
established Farthest Reaches some 12 years ago and it continues
to thrive today.
- How and where do you obtain your autographs?
Many of the autographs offered are obtained either in person or
through special arrangement between Farthest Reaches Inc. and
the individual signer. In addition I will frequently purchase collections and
also accept consignment items, although am very selective. When
it comes to authenticity, my customers never have a worry as my
return policy is about as flexible as you'll find anywhere. No
one provides better customer care than Farthest Reaches although
it is rarely needed…I guarantee it!!
- Are the photographs you use to have autographed produced
by a photocopy machine or by using a computer printer (ink or
laser jet)?
There are of course instances where Farthest Reaches is not at
all involved in the production of the photos used for certain
autographs. Signers will sometimes provide their own images and
sometimes an autographed photo will be vintage in nature. I am
however, directly responsible for the photos provided to the
Astronauts who sign/inscribe for specifically for Farthest Reaches. Those photos
are produced on high quality photographic paper and are custom printed under my
supervision. They are NOT computer generated laser or inkjet
prints, NOT produced on copy machines, or otherwise inferior
quality prints as are often found for sale throughout the
marketplace. We receive great feedback on the high quality of
our space images and it's no accident. We work hard and spend
more to give our customers an image they can be proud to add to
their space autograph collection.
- Do you provide a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.)?
I would like to offer a few thoughts on this subject. Most
dealers and collectors in the know realize that a COA is not
necessarily a guarantee that your item is the real thing. With
today's technology, just about anyone (including the "bad guys")
can easily produce a professional looking COA with a computer, a
printer, and some fancy paper. My point is simply; don't rely
solely upon the COA to ensure that your autograph is authentic.
The very best way to be protected against fraud or from simply
the honest mistakes that even the most ethical of dealers can
sometimes make, is to become an educated buyer.To that end, I suggest the following:
- Do some homework and learn about the type of item you're
interested in purchasing.
- Find a few dealers with excellent reputations and try to
stick with them as much as possible.
- Don't hesitate to ask for references and most of all,
ask lots of questions. Be wary of any dealer whose answers
to your questions are vague or who appear to be withholding
information. Also be wary of any dealer who is unwilling to
give you his/her telephone number so that they can be easily
contacted.
- Ask about the dealer's return policy. Make sure that
there is one, that it's in writing and that it allows you to
return your purchase for a full and prompt refund should you
not be satisfied or have question regarding an item's
authenticity. Remember this: "IF A DEAL SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE
TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS."
- Lastly, visit the website for the Universal Autograph
Collectors Club (UACC). You can find it at
www.uacc.org.
It's a great source for information about all aspects of
autograph collecting and is the premiere organization for
the promotion of the hobby itself. The saying, "knowledge is
power" certainly applies here. Take advantage of the
information they offer. It's worth its weight in gold.
Now all that having been said, Farthest Reaches Inc. will be
happy to issue a letter of authenticity (L.O.A.) upon request, for
any item that we sell.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
Farthest Reaches Inc. is happy to accept personal checks, money
orders, Visa/Master Card/or Discover and payment through Paypal
or Bidpay.
- What about shipping and secure packaging?
We generally use USPS Priority Mail w/delivery confirmation
(within the U.S.) and USPS Global Priority or International Air
Parcel Post (small package rates) for shipments to international
locations. Insurance is offered and recommended at the buyers
expense for actual cost. Farthest Reaches Inc. will not be held
responsible for uninsured items that are lost or damaged during
shipping. Now, just a word about our packaging: We believe that
your transaction isn't complete until you're holding it safely
in your hands. To that end, each item (regardless of price) is
packed to withstand nothing short of a nuclear blast so that it
reaches you in perfect condition.
- What is your return policy?
Farthest Reaches has a most liberal return policy. That's
because we want you to buy with total confidence. Very
simply…any item can be returned for a full and prompt refund
within 14 days of receipt if in its original condition. This
return policy is extended to one year for autographed items
(consignment items excluded) should it's authenticity ever be questioned as
long as in it's original condition. We promise not to make you
jump through a million hoops or deal with huge rolls of red tape
to take advantage of this policy. Consignment items are sold
with a 14 day return window, period. Customer satisfaction is our
top priority.
- Do you accept items on consignment?
Yes we are happy to handle items on a consignment basis. Feel
free to inquire for additional information. We have been the
choice for several astronauts and flight controllers as well as
collectors worldwide, who have used us represent their material.
In addition, our consignment fee is among the most reasonable in
the business.
- Do you handle custom autograph requests?
Farthest Reaches will be happy to handle custom autograph
requests for our space related items where possible. Prices for
this service will vary depending upon the item and the
astronaut. At this time, we are the exclusive agent for through
the mail custom autograph requests for: Astronaut Al Worden,
Apollo 13 EECOM, Sy Liebergot, Liberty Bell 7 Recovery Pilot Jim
Lewis and Mercury Nurse, Dee O'Hara.
Details are found on the site or feel free to inquire for additional
information if interested.
- Can I contact you in person?
Absolutely! I can be contacted anytime either by email or phone
(310) 791-4800. Best times to reach me are in the evenings or
anytime during the weekends. F.Y.I. - Farthest Reaches is on
Pacific Time. I may also be reached by cell phone (310)
892.5150. Farthest Reaches never sleeps, so feel free to
call or email any time!
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