Media, Press & Publications
Published works, documentary appearances, and press coverage spanning decades of work in historical Americana. Gary Hendershott's expertise has been sought by filmmakers, journalists, and institutions worldwide.
Fakes and Scoundrels
Fakes and Scoundrels is the definitive reference on forgeries, misattributions, and deception in the world of historical collecting. A best-selling work written by Gary Hendershott and drawing on over 50+ years of firsthand experience, the book exposes the methods used by forgers, fraudsters, and unscrupulous dealers to deceive collectors, museums, and institutions.
The book provides specific, actionable guidance across every major category of collectible material — Guns, Paintings, Swords, Autographs, Coins, and Militaria. From altered serial numbers on firearms to forged signatures on historical documents, from misattributed oil paintings to counterfeit coins, no area of collecting is left unexamined. It is used as a reference by collectors, dealers, museum professionals, and law enforcement agencies investigating art and artifact fraud.
The Tharpe Case
Among the cases documented in the book is the story of Donald R. Tharpe — a collector who orchestrated a decade-long scheme involving insurance fraud, falsely claimed thefts of guns and swords, and systematic deception of multiple museums, collectors, dealers, and banks. The Tharpe case stands as one of the most elaborate fraud operations ever seen in the world of historical collecting, and Gary's role in uncovering it underscores the critical importance of authentication and due diligence.
A Must Read for Every Collector, Dealer & Museum Curator
- ✓ Forgery in every collectible category
- ✓ The Auction Game — inside the practices of the major houses
- ✓ Insurance frauds and falsely claimed thefts
- ✓ Bank frauds involving artifacts as collateral
- ✓ Fake appraisals and inflated valuations
- ✓ Theft & repatriation of stolen cultural property
- ✓ Real-world fraud cases and how they were uncovered
B-4112: The Blue Diamonds
A Quest for Diamonds in World Wars
B-4112: The Blue Diamonds is a historical narrative by Gary Lynn Hendershott that weaves together two of the twentieth century's most consequential threads — the Holocaust and the wartime trade in rare gemstones. The book takes its title from the inmate number B-4112, tattooed on the arm of a sixteen-year-old boy named Richard Friedemann upon his arrival at Birkenau inside Auschwitz.
The "B" designated Birkenau, the extermination facility that served as the holding camp for prisoners destined for the gas chambers and crematoria. Of Richard's entire family, only he survived. That number, seared into his skin, became both a mark of unspeakable suffering and an enduring symbol of survival — and the organizing metaphor of this book.
A Quest Across Two World Wars
The narrative traces the fate of extraordinary blue diamonds and other treasures as they passed through the chaos of two world wars — looted, hidden, smuggled, and recovered across occupied Europe. It follows Richard's own journey from the horror of seven Nazi death camps through his daring escape timed with the Allied liberation, and onward to his role during the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials and his eventual realization of the American Dream.
Blue diamonds — among the rarest and most historically charged gemstones on earth — serve as the quest object that binds together Richard's survival, the broader geopolitics of wartime Europe, and the still-unresolved questions of restitution and repatriation that persist to this day.
Gary's Friendship with Richard Friedemann
The book and accompanying documentary grew out of a deep personal friendship between Gary Hendershott and Richard Friedemann. Through years of conversation and trust, Richard shared the full account of his experiences — testimony that Gary recognized as essential to preserve. The project reflects Gary's commitment not only to the artifacts and objects of history, but to the human stories behind them.
Companion Documentary
A documentary film based on the same research and source material accompanies the book, featuring archival footage and testimony drawn from Richard's memoirs and firsthand accounts. The narrative follows a non-linear structure, beginning with Richard's liberation by the United States Army and returning to how it all began before concluding with the paradox of postwar Europe.
Inquire About the Book & DocumentarySelected Media Appearances
Gary Hendershott has been quoted, consulted, or featured by the following publications and media outlets in connection with his expertise in historical Americana, authentication, and notable artifact sales.
Newspaper and magazine features on notable sales, authentication cases, and the historical significance of important artifacts.
Documentary appearances and television consultations on topics ranging from Civil War history to Old West artifacts and presidential memorabilia.
Contributions to trade publications, collector magazines, and scholarly references in the fields of militaria, Americana, and fine art.
Media & Press Inquiries
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