I just searched the GUU archives and came across several discussions about g/u Ripken helmets. The one started on 1/31/07 (http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_f...ripken+helmet) links to an ebay auction which has since expired and I can't recall if it's the same one that was recently up for sale on ebay. I'm guessing not and that it was a more recent one.
I figured most people passed on it because of the size (7 1/4 instead of 7 3/8). But Troy at Mears just posted these comments on the MEARS board that I thought were interesting:
Ebay Cal Ripken Jr. Helmet #200166756445
November 4 2007 at 12:58 PM Troy R. Kinunen (Login Troyrkinunen)
I was recently asked a question regarding item #200166756445 which was recently posted but did not sell on Ebay. It was posted by ebay user name ripken08forever.
Here is the link:
The item was submitted to MEARS for an evaluation. After several weeks of research, we COULD NOT attribute the helmet to Cal Ripken Jr. and felt it was mostly likely worn by Benny Ayala and/or Lee Lacy. Our comment section read:
"Headband shows moderate wear. The foam in back is severely damaged and is falling out. Side and top also show signs of wear., but are still attached. Helmet can be dated to the 1982-85 period due to the ABC pinwheel on the back of the helmet. Helmet has #8 sticker on it, however, this sticker was applied later. The number originally applied to the helmet was 27, which can be seen under close examination of the bill. The bill has residue and markings from the numbers that are visible. The number 27 was worn by two different players during the years this helmet dates to. The first being Benny Awala who wore number 27 for the Orioles from the 1979-84. The second was Lee Lacy who wore number 27 for the Orioles from 1985-87. Both Benny Ayala and Lee Lacy were right handed batters and wore helmets with the left ear flap so neither of them can be eliminated using that factor. The helmet was autographed on back by Cal Ripken, Jr. with "shortstop written" under it. This helmet comes with a Letter of Authenticity from photographer Alan Sessarego on Through the Lens letterhead."
The complete letter of opinion can be viewed by MEARS members at http://www.mearsonline.com/loa/equip....asp?id=307438
My review of the photographs indicate the ebay Cal Ripken Jr. listing was identical to the helmet submitted to MEARS for evaluation. There was no mention of the MEARS opinion referenced in the Ebay listing.
As has been discussed in the past, MEARS does not require anyone to exclusively use our opinions, but in instances where materials changes were discovered, (another players uniform number under existing number) MEARS expects responsbile sellers to provide that information to interested parties.
Sincerely,
Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS
I figured most people passed on it because of the size (7 1/4 instead of 7 3/8). But Troy at Mears just posted these comments on the MEARS board that I thought were interesting:
Ebay Cal Ripken Jr. Helmet #200166756445
November 4 2007 at 12:58 PM Troy R. Kinunen (Login Troyrkinunen)
I was recently asked a question regarding item #200166756445 which was recently posted but did not sell on Ebay. It was posted by ebay user name ripken08forever.
Here is the link:
The item was submitted to MEARS for an evaluation. After several weeks of research, we COULD NOT attribute the helmet to Cal Ripken Jr. and felt it was mostly likely worn by Benny Ayala and/or Lee Lacy. Our comment section read:
"Headband shows moderate wear. The foam in back is severely damaged and is falling out. Side and top also show signs of wear., but are still attached. Helmet can be dated to the 1982-85 period due to the ABC pinwheel on the back of the helmet. Helmet has #8 sticker on it, however, this sticker was applied later. The number originally applied to the helmet was 27, which can be seen under close examination of the bill. The bill has residue and markings from the numbers that are visible. The number 27 was worn by two different players during the years this helmet dates to. The first being Benny Awala who wore number 27 for the Orioles from the 1979-84. The second was Lee Lacy who wore number 27 for the Orioles from 1985-87. Both Benny Ayala and Lee Lacy were right handed batters and wore helmets with the left ear flap so neither of them can be eliminated using that factor. The helmet was autographed on back by Cal Ripken, Jr. with "shortstop written" under it. This helmet comes with a Letter of Authenticity from photographer Alan Sessarego on Through the Lens letterhead."
The complete letter of opinion can be viewed by MEARS members at http://www.mearsonline.com/loa/equip....asp?id=307438
My review of the photographs indicate the ebay Cal Ripken Jr. listing was identical to the helmet submitted to MEARS for evaluation. There was no mention of the MEARS opinion referenced in the Ebay listing.
As has been discussed in the past, MEARS does not require anyone to exclusively use our opinions, but in instances where materials changes were discovered, (another players uniform number under existing number) MEARS expects responsbile sellers to provide that information to interested parties.
Sincerely,
Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS
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