Warhol sketch bought for £3 on sale for £1.25m on eBay Mr Fields, from Tiverton, Devon, said: "I've had experts from Sotheby's and Bonhams who are convinced it is original, without a shadow of doubt. But without an official authentication boards approval they are reluctant to speak publicly. I think it is an incredibly important work which redefines the work of one of the most famous artists of the last 100 years. When I first found it I sent it to The Andy Warhol Authentication Board who wrote their unique number in the lower left corner. They sent it back to me saying they did not have enough evidence to support the fact it could be real. I think it's important to note that when they have the slightest doubt about a piece they simply stamp 'denied' on it in red letters. This was not the case with this picture. Since submitting it to the Authentication Board I have done extensive research to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that it is genuine. I am just sad that the Board is no longer authenticating works of Warhol. Mr Fields claims the people who ultimately control the Warhol market are reluctant to re-write history and acknowledge what would be Warhol's earliest-known pop art work. He said: "These people are so against this particular work being authentic because they simply do not wish to consider changing the facts that have formulated the current version of events Warhol fans have become used to and have no control over a man who has found a lost piece of history." Mr Fields picked up the artwork at a sale of property that belonged to a man who told him his aunt had been a friend and carer of the young Warhol. He said: "I have since gained an abundance of evidence to support its authenticity and am happy to sit down with seriously interested parties to present them everything. I am an open and honest man and would love for this picture to be loved by someone who really appreciates Andy Warhol's work. Businessman Mr Fields has put the drawing on eBay - item number 350844410846 - with a starting bid of £1.25 million and is inviting serious enquiries only.