commando
03-19-2008, 10:34 PM
When researching the history of a jersey (in this case, a Houston Gamblers jersey), there are several steps I personally take. The steps sometimes vary depending on the resources available. Often, jerseys without noticeable wear or modifications can't be truly authenticated as game used, just style matched. In cases where photo matches are not available on older jerseys or equipment, there's still often a huge difference between professional and retail equipment -- thus making it much easier to differentiate the items that were at least team-issued. Over the past 20 years, the infamous "pro-cut" jerseys have made photo matching and/or provenance very important.
Personally, I like the pre-1988ish jerseys because they are usually easy to differentiate as team-issued versus retail. Gamblers jerseys were made by Russell and have one tail tag per jersey. I have never seen a year tag or any other kind of strip tagging in a legitimate Gamblers jersey. With that being said, though Gamblers jerseys appear simple to create, they are nearly impossible to duplicate today. Comparing a fake to the real thing quickly exposes the impostor -- believe me on this.
The example shown here was worn by Gamblers defensive end Pete Catan against the Denver Gold on June 9, 1985. The game was played in a rainstorm, and was even delayed for a while until the torrential downpour lightened. A close examination of the jersey reveals several unique traits that beg for a photo match. I apologize for the photos, as the details on the real item are much clearer.
Example A -- The left bottom of the nameplate was sewn onto the jersey at a noticeable angle that leaves the seam located below it.
Example B -- The right bottom of the nameplate was also sewn onto the jersey at an angle that leaves the seam below it, but this angle is less than the one on the left side. The length of the right side gap is also longer than that on the left.
Example C -- Seam has a small dark blemish just to the right of the second "7."
Example D -- The second "7" is not parallel with the seam above it. The left side of the 7 is one inch away from the seam, while the right side of the 7 is only 3/4 of an inch from the seam. As a side note, the first "7" is parallel with the seam above, with a distance of one inch.
Example E -- A hole has been repaired.
(I could also measure the red trim around the black numbers if needed, as the two colors are layered separately and are unique to each jersey. I didn't feel it was necessary with this particular item because of all the other clues...)
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch05.JPG
Below are several screen shots from the 1985 Gamblers at Gold game, which I have on DVD. The images are much clearer watching the game versus these screen shots, but you'll get the gist of the clues I am comparing:
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch004.JPG
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch003.JPG
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch001.JPG
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch06.JPG
Some of us weirdos actually consider this fun... Really, it boils down to having the resources, time and patience to do a little homework. You don't need formal forensics training, but attention to detail is always the key.
Often, the hunt for game photos or video is much harder to find than the memorabilia itself!
Happy hunting!
Personally, I like the pre-1988ish jerseys because they are usually easy to differentiate as team-issued versus retail. Gamblers jerseys were made by Russell and have one tail tag per jersey. I have never seen a year tag or any other kind of strip tagging in a legitimate Gamblers jersey. With that being said, though Gamblers jerseys appear simple to create, they are nearly impossible to duplicate today. Comparing a fake to the real thing quickly exposes the impostor -- believe me on this.
The example shown here was worn by Gamblers defensive end Pete Catan against the Denver Gold on June 9, 1985. The game was played in a rainstorm, and was even delayed for a while until the torrential downpour lightened. A close examination of the jersey reveals several unique traits that beg for a photo match. I apologize for the photos, as the details on the real item are much clearer.
Example A -- The left bottom of the nameplate was sewn onto the jersey at a noticeable angle that leaves the seam located below it.
Example B -- The right bottom of the nameplate was also sewn onto the jersey at an angle that leaves the seam below it, but this angle is less than the one on the left side. The length of the right side gap is also longer than that on the left.
Example C -- Seam has a small dark blemish just to the right of the second "7."
Example D -- The second "7" is not parallel with the seam above it. The left side of the 7 is one inch away from the seam, while the right side of the 7 is only 3/4 of an inch from the seam. As a side note, the first "7" is parallel with the seam above, with a distance of one inch.
Example E -- A hole has been repaired.
(I could also measure the red trim around the black numbers if needed, as the two colors are layered separately and are unique to each jersey. I didn't feel it was necessary with this particular item because of all the other clues...)
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch05.JPG
Below are several screen shots from the 1985 Gamblers at Gold game, which I have on DVD. The images are much clearer watching the game versus these screen shots, but you'll get the gist of the clues I am comparing:
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch004.JPG
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch003.JPG
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch001.JPG
http://houston-gamblers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/PicsforForum/catanphotomatch06.JPG
Some of us weirdos actually consider this fun... Really, it boils down to having the resources, time and patience to do a little homework. You don't need formal forensics training, but attention to detail is always the key.
Often, the hunt for game photos or video is much harder to find than the memorabilia itself!
Happy hunting!