Authenticating a Harry Bertoia Spray Sculpture  

Well, I see
one difference: the "authenticated" piece has a visible (stainless steel ?) collar at the surface of the base, surrounding the wires . . .

idk...
Everyone of them says: "A bundle of steel wires are gathered and inserted into a thick slate base". No mention of any kind of collar. I think it's an indention in the slate, just not as deep as mine.

I just get really
mad about the whole deal when I see identical pieces keep passing through the shop with stamp's of approval while mine just sits here doing nothing. I know he's doing what he thinks is right, I just don't personally agree.

Here's one listed
as bertoia through 1stdibs with a white bottom. It's open just like mine. Maybe even a little bit more.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/sculptures/...

Ok, I just called
1stdibs about the white sculpture, (maybe as to purchase to find out some info).
I spoke with a girl who didn't know much, but took measurements and was very helpful in the end. The price on this one is $15,000. I first asked her about the dimensions. The base is 5" x 5" x 1-1/2" high. I then asked her what the bottom of the base looked like. She put me on hold, then flipped it over and rustled around for a second, then came back and said solid and smooth all the way across.
I then asked her what it looks like where it groups into the base. She said it goes down in, and just kinda disappears (but made sure to let me know it was solid. You know in case I buy it..:)). But there is no collar at all. I then asked her if she had a letter of authenticity on it, and she put me on hold, and called out to a guy, and asked if it had one, and he called back: Yes it does. I then asked her if it was by Val, and she said yes it was. So that's it right there.

Ok.....
Well I sent it off and low and behold its authentic. Valued at $180k

WOW!!!! Congrats-that's...
WOW!!!! Congrats-that's awesome!

Wow!!
You did your homework...I am quite happy for you.
Best,
Your Aunt Mark

Congratulations groovy
Nice find.
I think I'd get paranoid with a $180k dollar spray sculpture sitting in the corner of my living room. And the insurance...

..... ....... .....
Seal-coat truck resting
One hundred eighty big boy's
Party in the womb.

Congrats
Looks like your persistence paid off in spades ($$$$$$).
I guess Val is all right in your book now?
Time to jumpstart your business!

Holy smokes, that's amazing....
Holy smokes, that's amazing. Congrats!

any rust?
DONT TOUCH IT!!!!
LOL just kidding... but don't!
RESIST the temptation to clean!
Got to be you best find of all time! (at least in monetary terms) That will buy a hell of a lot of rust remover!
Can you actually turn that into cash? If so, this is your big chance to go "full time". I guess a high powered auction site is probably the way to go. IF that is your plan...
OMG OGD! Congratulations!

Wait. I'm confused. I...
Wait. I'm confused. I thought you said Val was a self-serving know nothing. Maybe I have it wrong, but you removed your original comments instead of just posting this new information.
Did you change your mind?

.
I blame everything on Ray Eames.