Someone's bid on it, unfortunately. At least it is an open auction so they can be updated.

The seller couldn't even accurately mention where the "signature" is - it is clearly nowhere near on the inner cover.

Whomever did the fake signature at least did enough research to get the date in the realm of possibility, but I can't imagine when the Professor took a trip to a US library to sign a book.

Here's a "signed" Return of the King for $10! This is a ex-library copy! The seller says that he found the signature hidden on the inner cover. I messaged the seller that the signature was not even a good fake, but he brushed me off "thanking" me for my opinion. eBay has not taken any action. I sent them two complaints: one about forgery, the other about disclaimers. (You cannot list on eBay and then say you don't know if the item is authentic or not.) I hope people don't fall for this.

If you want more context for this, read Anthony's post in the News section here:

Heren Istarion Updates

Anthony and Jessica are raffling off the following items to help Heren Istarion's financial health. Please take a moment to browse through what they have available, and hopefully take a chance on winning some great stuff! Heren Istarion is a great organization (a smial of the Tolkien Society, a branch of the Mythopoeic Society, and has members scattered to the four winds, not just in the New York area), and amongst other things produces an excellent journal - Parma Nölé. I would heartily recommend picking up some back issues, or subscribing now.

Here is the current list of items up for raffle. Updates should be posted here often as new items are added to the raffle. Please be sure to read the full terms of the raffle before buying entries.

RAFFLE: SOCIETY FLYER SIGNED BY LOTR CAST AND CREW

RAFFLE: RARE FELLOWSHIP MINI BUSTS

RAFFLE: 8" Strider by Applause

RAFFLE:8" GANDALF by Applause

RAFFLE: TOPPS FOTR FOIL CARDS

RAFFLE: FOTR: MERRYS TRAVEL COAT

RAFFLE: ROTK GORBAG AUTOGRAPHED CARD

RAFFLE: SIDESHOW WETA's LORD ELROND

RAFFLE: SIDESHOW WETA's Prince Isildur

RAFFLE: SIDESHOW WETA's CATAPULT TROLL

RAFFLE: Book - C.S. Lewis Chronicles Inscribed by Colin Duriez

RAFFLE: HOBBIT GRAB BAG

RAFFLE: Embroidery and Crafts

Just received the 2008 issue from the Middle-earth Fellowship. Illustrations are from Tales Twice Told. Created entries for it in the chronological and society lists. As always, your comments are welcome!

Away from The Green Hill Country,

Parmastahir

Well, I finally had time to revisit, and it appears that Search.com has corrected the listing. One less mis-fact about Tolkien online! (And probably a million new ones.)