Game Worn Peyton Manning Helmet?

[jhunt28]

I came across this today...
http://cgi.ebay.com/PEYTON-MANNING-Auto-Game-Used-Worn-NFL-Helmet-UDA-1-1_W0QQitemZ280345873178QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_0?hash=item4145ea8b1a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A2096%7C66%3A4%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A200

Does anyone think this could be game worn by Peyton? Just from the type of chinstrap buckle, it eliminates being worn in 2003. But there is no blue Riddell front bumper, the rear bumper is incorrect (not a Revolution style rear bumper), there are no velcro coins inside the helmet where his mic device would be held, and a very minor thing, the chinstrap is on backwards (the Riddell lettering should be at the top of the hookup, not bottom). Has anyone ever seen a fake Upper Deck COA? I'm sure there are Peyton Manning experts out there, I just think its odd that the helmet has this many things wrong with it to be his? Any thoughts?

[TriplexXxSports]

Jumped $900 in 2 hours!

[mvandor]

Clearly you've caught several red flags: no blue Riddell front bumper, no plastic chinstrap buckles, instead metal.

Just Getty-ed 2003 and it looks less plausible than my 2005 RealStuff Sports copy below:

http://thevandors.com/michael/images/Other/Manning_Game_Issue_Helmet.jpg

Upper Deck has been known to fail before, and they certainly rarely dabble in gameworn. Guy gives the UD number, I'd contact them and ask, but no matter what they say the discrepancies with photos cause me pause.

[aeneas01]

the box is pretty....

...

[mvandor]

the box is pretty....

...

Translation from Robert-speak: Ehhh, not too convinced on this 'un. :p

[mvandor]

See http://sports.upperdeck.com/memorabilia/hologram.aspx?hid=baj19186

UD thinks this is a gameworn helmet but notes it's not limited. ?????

Clearly a legit UD item, but how do we explain the discrepancies?

[mvandor]

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/82003914.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19368FFB0B613D6DEB04F10064BF6D87A10 4854FFF91D748C6E

I reviewed 4 pages of 2003 pics of Peyton on Getty and while I did find evidence of metal chinstrap buckles (above), I could not find ONE shot with the stock off the shelf red Riddell front bumper. All showed the custom blue one.

[TriplexXxSports]

Saturday morning - $1500!

[mvandor]

Saturday morning - $1500!

No surprise, UD is pretty reputable. Just don't know how to reconcile the red front bumper and sloppy rear decal.

[TriplexXxSports]

No surprise, UD is pretty reputable. Just don't know how to reconcile the red front bumper and sloppy rear decal.

Maybe it was a dud from practice or something and that is how UDA obtained it. Could be from a photo shoot and its not a helmet from an actual game. Pro Bowl maybe? Just some thoughts.

I hate to think UDA didn't do their homework on this one. I would think they'd get it directly from the team or Manning himself.

Who knows!? What we do know is that it has quite a few issues.

[jhunt28]

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/82003914.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19368FFB0B613D6DEB04F10064BF6D87A10 4854FFF91D748C6E

I reviewed 4 pages of 2003 pics of Peyton on Getty and while I did find evidence of metal chinstrap buckles (above), I could not find ONE shot with the stock off the shelf red Riddell front bumper. All showed the custom blue one.


If you look at the dates closely, those pics from 2003 that show the metal buckle, are actually from Jan/Feb. Technically, that's the 2002 season. But like I stated earlier, this could be a leftover from the '02 season, but lack of proper bumpers, inside number ID, and velcro to stick in the QB transmitter make me wonder.

[helmets]

If you look at the chinstrap cover - the UDA is a retail Schutt style. Manning wore - or wears covers that are sewn up from material - "home-made" so to speak. Not such a big deal as the helmet may have been sourced to UDA without the cover and this could have been added by the original owner, but it is not what Manning wore.

The rubber grommets are correct under the facemask clips - black. In 2003 Riddell used black grommets. Since then, they have used Gray, and Red.

The jawpads are inflatable. I believe Manning used both in 2003, however on the photo that I show below, from the Jan. 18th playoff loss to New England, it shows Manning using the non-inflatable jaw pads as offered on the retail Proline helmets. I can not find a good photo from the Pro Bowl in 2003 which would be the last game for Manning, but I would feel better if the jawpads were not inflatable - like Manning wore later and can be seen on Vandor's helmet provided by Real Stuff...

As for the rear bumper -
In 2002, Manning wore the regular decal as fitted to VSR4's. The decal companies had not come out with the Revolution cut yet. His 2002 helmet was also sourced through UDA, and I had a chance to buy it from the original owner. It then sold - had the read bumper decal changed, sold again, and again. I have lost track of that helmet.

I am not sure if Manning - who was one of the first to wear a Revo and keep wearing it, had the proper cut in 2003. I have attached a photo of the rear of the helmet but do not have photo shop on this laptop to blow it up. Perhaps Robert can handle that task.

Just my quick observations.

[mvandor]

It then sold - had the read bumper decal changed, sold again, and again. I have lost track of that helmet.
Did you mean "red"? Are you saying the 2002 UD you owned also had a stock retail red Riddell front bumper?

If so, very odd.

[jhunt28]

Helmets...I think this is what you're referring to. I took this pic from a helmet I own, and you can see that the older style Riddell rear bumper decal was cut and fitted to the Revolution style rear bumper. As you stated, the Revolution style rear bumpers were not made available until a year or two after...


21455

[beantown]

Hate to be cynical, but how about this hypothetical scenario...UDA contacts PM and asks for his GU Helmet...PM asks the Equipment Manager for one of his helmets and one is made up and given to PM that wasn't actually worn by PM, while the Equipment Manager keeps the real one and from a Colts equipment accountability standpoint, everything adds up. PM and UDA have the understanding that it’s worn and document it as such, but in actuality, it wasn't....:cool:

[mvandor]

Hate to be cynical, but how about this hypothetical scenario...UDA contacts PM and asks for his GU Helmet...PM asks the Equipment Manager for one of his helmets and one is made up and given to PM that wasn't actually worn by PM, while the Equipment Manager keeps the real one and from a Colts equipment accountability standpoint, everything adds up. PM and UDA have the understanding that it’s worn and document it as such, but in actuality, it wasn't....:cool:

Still doesn't explain the lack of the blue front bumper, you'd think ANY lid coming from the Colts locker room woulda had one, regardless of who used it (helmet shows some use).

That's the baffling part to me.

[kingjammy24]

Hate to be cynical, but how about this hypothetical scenario...UDA contacts PM and asks for his GU Helmet...PM asks the Equipment Manager for one of his helmets and one is made up and given to PM that wasn't actually worn by PM, while the Equipment Manager keeps the real one and from a Colts equipment accountability standpoint, everything adds up. PM and UDA have the understanding that it’s worn and document it as such, but in actuality, it wasn't....:cool:

the assumption being that upper deck acquired the helmet directly from manning? that in itself may be a stretch. in acquiring game used items for its trading cards, upper deck purchases from the secondary market; dealers and auction houses. they may witness their autographs first hand but apparently when it comes to procuring game used items, the secondary market suits them fine. perhaps this helmet came from a dealer or auction house.

the upper deck letter states that the item "was legally procured according to the regular procedures instituted by Upper Deck for obtaining such items in the regular course of business. UPPER DECK MAKES NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES". a whole bunch of legalese that doesn't say much of anything other than the helmet wasn't stolen and was legally obtained. they make no mention of their "regular procedures" are in obtaining these items.

could be some dealer took upper deck for a ride. certainly wouldn't be the first time it's happened.

rudy.

[mvandor]

BTW, I've learned to carefully read descriptions, the UD site lists this lid as:

This helmet used during the NFL season was autographed by Peyton Manning. Manning’s signature was witnessed by an Upper Deck Authenticated representative as part of UDA’s patented 5-step authentication process.This item is not limited.

Doesn't say used by Manning himself does it? Also, same wording in the print COA.

[suicide_squeeze]

BTW, I've learned to carefully read descriptions, the UD site lists this lid as:

This helmet used during the NFL season was autographed by Peyton Manning. Manning’s signature was witnessed by an Upper Deck Authenticated representative as part of UDA’s patented 5-step authentication process.This item is not limited.

Doesn't say used by Manning himself does it? Also, same wording in the print COA.


Yes,

It was used by little Johnny in a touch football game in the neighborhood. When his dad came home and found his Upper Deck Authenticated signed Peyton Manning retail helmet missing from it's plexi-glass display case.......well, Johnny is still grounded!

[helmets]

Helmets...I think this is what you're referring to. I took this pic from a helmet I own, and you can see that the older style Riddell rear bumper decal was cut and fitted to the Revolution style rear bumper. As you stated, the Revolution style rear bumpers were not made available until a year or two after...


24861
Yes, that is what I was referring to.

Sorry Vandor, I meant "rear" not "read"
Yes, the front bumper should have the royal Riddell decal.

[suicide_squeeze]

I just read the "Letter of Authenticity" that accompanies it from Upper Deck.

It states the following:


"Shawn Wilbur, an authorized representative of The Upper Deck Company, LLC ("Upper Deck") hereby certifies that the enclosed item, Peyton Manning Helmet used in an NFL game or practice is genuine and authentic to the best of his knowledge and belief; that the item was legally procurred according to the regular procedures instituted by Upper Deck for obtaining such items in the regular course of business. UPPER DECK MAKES NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES."


Um....I'm no attorney, but that can't be good.

First off, they are saying it could be from a practice (which would qualify it for the "during the NFL season". Not what you'd want to be paying a few thousand bucks for I gather.

Then that upper case last statement.....wow. All I can make out of that is that, whatever your thinking they are representing it as, it may or may not be, so if you find is isn't what you thought it was, tuff luck.

I wouldn't buy it because it doesn't appear to be what it's representing itself to be, and I would say shame on Upper Deck. They are better than that.

[beantown]

If you don't like this one, there's always this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/PEYTON-MANNING-GAME-USED-WORN-HELMET-UPPER-DECK-COA_W0QQitemZ130307189124QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1e56e9e984&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7 C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[helmets]

If you don't like this one, there's always this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/PEYTON-MANNING-GAME-USED-WORN-HELMET-UPPER-DECK-COA_W0QQitemZ130307189124QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1e56e9e984&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7 C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

This one is worse...

[TriplexXxSports]

If you don't like this one, there's always this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/PEYTON-MANNING-GAME-USED-WORN-HELMET-UPPER-DECK-COA_W0QQitemZ130307189124QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1e56e9e984&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7 C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50


I like the legs behind the facemask shot. Think this was used as a selling boost for this proline?

[mvandor]

This one is worse...


Why plse.

[jhunt28]

What makes this helmet worse than the other one?? I'd like to hear the experts take...because to me, with a little wear and tear on the chinstrap lettering, I could be convinced that this was his. At least this has the correct facemask, front and back bumpers, shockblocker clips, and he did start wearing a blue "Riddell" on his low hookup Adams cup chinstrap in 2001. Obviously the 2003 part of the description is wrong, but I included a pic from November of 2001 (after Sept 2001, so the flag would be on the helmet). I find this helmet more believable than the previous Manning auction.


21563

21564

[TriplexXxSports]

What makes this helmet worse than the other one?? I'd like to hear the experts take...because to me, with a little wear and tear on the chinstrap lettering, I could be convinced that this was his. At least this has the correct facemask, front and back bumpers, shockblocker clips, and he did start wearing a blue "Riddell" on his low hookup Adams cup chinstrap in 2001. Obviously the 2003 part of the description is wrong, but I included a pic from November of 2001 (after Sept 2001, so the flag would be on the helmet). I find this helmet more believable than the previous Manning auction.


The chinstrap on the auction helmet looks awfully 'new' to be a game worn.

This brings up a couple of questions...

1) If it was an actual Manning Gamer, then why did someone go through the trouble of putting the straps back in their 'retail' position?

2) Say someone did move the strap location, shouldn't there be evidence of where the straps were during its use by Manning?

Another thing that I noticed on the auction helmet is the location of the logo in relation to the earhole, as well as the white dot locations inside of the logo. I illustrated both of these points in the picture

IMO, Proline with add-on's to 'resemble' Manning's gamer...

[TriplexXxSports]

Here is a better shot illustrating the logo placement......

[jhunt28]

I'm not saying this is his helmet...but what I said was that this helmet is more believable to me than the first one. And I said "because to me, with a little wear and tear on the chinstrap lettering, I could be convinced that this was his". What I was trying to say is that in the right hands, you can easily get the chin strap in the right position, rub off the lettering a bit...Trust me, I am in total agreement with you with regards to the helmet. My only point was that I disagree that this helmet is less believable than the first one in this thread.

[helmets]

Triple is on with the decal placement, but it is easier than drawing lines and alignment.

The Colts wear their decals - in most cases - with the bottom of the horseshoe touching the outside ridge of the earhole. Same with the positioning of the Steelers logo - in most cases.

You look at this "Manning" gamer and where the decals are positioned, and they are too high. Same with the "Bettis" helmet that suddenly got mixed up with another "Bettis" helmet, and then was not a "Bettis" helmet.

Look at the photos of Manning that XXX has posted and then look at the position of the decals on this "Gamer." When you look at a Proline, the deals are up where this UDA "gamer" has it's decals. Same with Proline Steelers.

When we customize helmets, we do not remove and relocate the decals. We simply add the different components to the helmet.

XXX is also correct on the buckle placement of the chinstrap. The placement of those buckles is from the Adams factory, and have never been adjusted. That chinstrap has not been worn, even by a player with a long chin like Manning...

No internal identifiers. No velcro for the communication. I thought the Riddell top clips were a problem, but I see that he did wear them on his helmet in 2001.

Facemask is from 2000. The flag was not worn on the helmet until 2001.
In 2002 Manning sported a Revolution "lid". In 2001 Manning finished the year I believe with the "injury style" custom facemask. So, was this an extra helmet from 2001 with poor decal placement, and the other mentioned problems that the equipment manager provided to Upper Deck? Or, does the owner have the original "gamer" and had a custom helmet made from an internet supplier with access to Adams chinstraps with Riddell printing, thin jawpads, decals, shockblockers and a JOP-SW in Seattle Blue.

If I had to guess, and I was not 100% sure, I'd save my money...

[slats7]

I love how methodical this place is. Hawk-eyed members scrutinize bats, jerseys and helmets like detectives hovering over a body at a murder scene. CSI and Columbo have got nothing on you guys.

[mvandor]

Triple is on with the decal placement, but it is easier than drawing lines and alignment.

The Colts wear their decals - in most cases - with the bottom of the horseshoe touching the outside ridge of the earhole. Same with the positioning of the Steelers logo - in most cases.

You look at this "Manning" gamer and where the decals are positioned, and they are too high. Same with the "Bettis" helmet that suddenly got mixed up with another "Bettis" helmet, and then was not a "Bettis" helmet.

Look at the photos of Manning that XXX has posted and then look at the position of the decals on this "Gamer." When you look at a Proline, the deals are up where this UDA "gamer" has it's decals. Same with Proline Steelers.

When we customize helmets, we do not remove and relocate the decals. We simply add the different components to the helmet.

XXX is also correct on the buckle placement of the chinstrap. The placement of those buckles is from the Adams factory, and have never been adjusted. That chinstrap has not been worn, even by a player with a long chin like Manning...

No internal identifiers. No velcro for the communication. I thought the Riddell top clips were a problem, but I see that he did wear them on his helmet in 2001.

Facemask is from 2000. The flag was not worn on the helmet until 2001.
In 2002 Manning sported a Revolution "lid". In 2001 Manning finished the year I believe with the "injury style" custom facemask. So, was this an extra helmet from 2001 with poor decal placement, and the other mentioned problems that the equipment manager provided to Upper Deck? Or, does the owner have the original "gamer" and had a custom helmet made from an internet supplier with access to Adams chinstraps with Riddell printing, thin jawpads, decals, shockblockers and a JOP-SW in Seattle Blue.

If I had to guess, and I was not 100% sure, I'd save my money...

How sad is the state of the hobby that a company as reputable as UD can no longer be trusted?

[TriplexXxSports]

How sad is the state of the hobby that a company as reputable as UD can no longer be trusted?


I thought this same exact thing. Both of the 'supposed' gamers being discussed on this thread came with a LOA from UDA, but why?

The first gamer (the 1/1) that is listed looks 'convincing', EXCEPT that front bumper with the red lettering. The only thing that I can think of is that it was replaced or removed b/c it the pad was tore, damaged, or whatever.

Could it have been missing before UDA obtained it? Sure that is a possibility. Lets say it was removed by the equipment manager for some reason, gave Manning a new helmet to wear, and sold this one off to UDA. Since it was missing the pad UDA had to improvise and by a matching replacement pad, which as far as I know is only available in red for retail.

I can buy that senario on the first helmet, and figure UDA still might be in the clear with its authentication of that particular helmet.

As for the second helmet.....that thing is a mess! Everything is off. So why did UDA authenticate it?

My only thought goes right along with HELMETS comment in his last post. The only logical explanation is that the seller has kept the original, mocked up a Pro Line the best that he could and used the LOA in the description and photos. I would not be surprised if the lucky winner receives a photo copy of the original LOA.

Does UDA only hologram signatures? I would think that since the 2nd helmet in discussion was obtained by way of a REDEMPTION it would come with some type of identifying serial number. I've never done a redemption so I would know for sure. But it sure would make logical sense.

[kingjammy24]

imo, it's not a case of upper deck not being trustworthy per se. it's what you're specifically trusting them on; in this case, a game-used helmet. upper deck is trustworthy and reliable for the in-person, certified autographs they obtain directly from contemporary athletes. a UDA jordan or kobe or lebron autograph is rock-solid. how or why would that somehow extend to game-used items? what has upper deck done in the game-used arena that would warrant confidence and trust? again, in most circumstances, i believe upper deck obtains many of its purported game-used items from the secondary market. they do not obtain these things directly from the teams or athletes.

"Lets say it was removed by the equipment manager for some reason"

you can't evaluate a piece when you chalk something up to "some reason". what reason? you're evaluating plausibility yet there isn't even a reason given to evaluate. if a reason cannot be found, then how likely is the explanation?

"..and sold this one off to UDA."

again, why this assumption that the manning helmet was somehow obtained directly from the colts/manning by UDA when in fact it's far more likely that it was obtained via a dealer or auction house?

"Since it was missing the pad UDA had to improvise and by a matching replacement pad...I can buy that senario on the first helmet"

you really buy that as a plausible explanation? that for "some reason" the EM removed the pad and UDA then went out and obtained a replacement pad? this is a likely explanation?

"UDA still might be in the clear with its authentication of that particular helmet."

obtaining a helmet from the secondary market does not qualify as "authentication". UDA did not authenticate the helmet. they assert they believe the helmet is genuine as is the signature. where is the authentication? where has this assumption that UDA has the expertise to authenticate game-used helmets come from? who are UDA's "authenticators"? send in a 2003 peyton manning helmet to UDA and ask them to authenticate it and see what they say.

"So why did UDA authenticate it?"

they didn't. UDA is not an authentication service nor do they employ their own authenticators.

"The only logical explanation is that the seller has kept the original, mocked up a Pro Line the best that he could and used the LOA in the description and photos."

so the explanation that UDA purchased this helmet on the secondary market, as all of the other card companies have done for their game-used offerings, is not logical? when UDA cuts up vintage flannels for their game-used cards, where do you suppose they obtained those? you've ridden completely on the assumption that UDA obtained a manning gamer directly from manning/the colts and i fail to see any evidence behind that assumption.

rudy.

[kingjammy24]

to clarify, the "authenticated" portion of Upper Deck Authenticated refers to autographs. UDA "authenticated" the peyton manning signature, not the game-used helmet. UDA obtains the actual signatures directly, but likely not the game-used items that are signed.

not really much of an "authentication" when UDA personally witnesses the athlete signing something.

rudy.

[TriplexXxSports]

Jammy,

With all due respect, your points are very valid. All I'm trying to do is touch on some the 'possibilities'. Please keep in mind that I'm not offering explanations, just plausible possibilities.

"Lets say it was removed by the equipment manager for some reason"

you can't evaluate a piece when you chalk something up to "some reason". what reason? you're evaluating plausibility yet there isn't even a reason given to evaluate. if a reason cannot be found, then how likely is the explanation?

* 'Some reason' is just meant to touch base on why the first Manning 'gamer' had the red letter bumper. There could be hundreds of reasons why, this was just the first thought that came to mind.

"..and sold this one off to UDA."

again, why this assumption that the manning helmet was somehow obtained directly from the colts/manning by UDA when in fact it's far more likely that it was obtained via a dealer or auction house?

* If UDA obtained a 'game used' item from the secondary market or auction house, most of those would have come with some sort of papers. Mears, 100% Authentic, Team LOA, Player LOA, NFL Auctions, or something of that nature.

And since you say they are not 'game used authenticators' wouldn't they want to include, or at least mention, that paperwork clarifying its authenticity rather than just assuming it is?

"Since it was missing the pad UDA had to improvise and by a matching replacement pad...I can buy that senario on the first helmet"

you really buy that as a plausible explanation? that for "some reason" the EM removed the pad and UDA then went out and obtained a replacement pad? this is a likely explanation?

* Any other suggestions as to why it has a red letter front bumper are welcomed. I don't see why this seems to be too far fetched. Again, there could be hundreds of logical explanations, but this was the first thought that came to mind.

"UDA still might be in the clear with its authentication of that particular helmet."

obtaining a helmet from the secondary market does not qualify as "authentication". UDA did not authenticate the helmet. they assert they believe the helmet is genuine as is the signature...

* Isn't 'authentication' commonly backed by professional opinion, or belief, as well as factual information? Doesn't UDA stand for Upper Deck Authenticated? Aren't LOA's documents that certify that an item is deemed Authentic?

"So why did UDA authenticate it?"

they didn't. UDA is not an authentication service nor do they employ their own authenticators.

* Then who is this guy?

"Shawn Wilbur, an authorized representative of The Upper Deck Company, LLC ("Upper Deck") hereby certifies that the enclosed item, Peyton Manning Helmet used in an NFL game or practice is genuine and authentic to the best of his knowledge and belief; that the item was legally procurred according to the regular procedures instituted by Upper Deck for obtaining such items in the regular course of business. UPPER DECK MAKES NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES."

Isn't Mr. Wilbur assuming the roll of an 'authenticator' and isn't he said to be an 'authorized representative' of UDA? How is that not 'employing' their own authenticator? Most would think that, based on that document, that UDA did authenticate that helmet.

"The only logical explanation is that the seller has kept the original, mocked up a Pro Line the best that he could and used the LOA in the description and photos."

so the explanation that UDA purchased this helmet on the secondary market, as all of the other card companies have done for their game-used offerings, is not logical? when UDA cuts up vintage flannels for their game-used cards, where do you suppose they obtained those? you've ridden completely on the assumption that UDA obtained a manning gamer directly from manning/the colts and i fail to see any evidence behind that assumption.

* Maybe I'm giving UDA too much credit here, but they are one of the biggest names out there and for them to pick up a said 'game worn' item and issue a LOA without that proper knowledge, or research, seems ludicrous.

I am not denying the fact that they buy off the 2nd hand market. In this particular case though it seems more plausible to think that they deemed it 'game worn' because they got it direct, rather than off the market.


I like your POV Jammy....:D

[kingjammy24]

"If UDA obtained a 'game used' item from the secondary market or auction house, most of those would have come with some sort of papers. Mears, 100% Authentic, Team LOA, Player LOA, NFL Auctions, or something of that nature."

UDA doesn't want collectors to know how or where they acquire pieces. why do you think card companies are the best dumping grounds for dubious pieces? because they don't reveal where they acquire pieces and in many cases, they "destroy" the evidence by cutting it into a thousand pieces. there's no way to trace anything back to anyone once that's done. if UDA let it be known that it was just buying pieces from AMI for example or Blue Chip Collectibles, then there's no UDA premium to affix because collectors would just go straight there. secondly, in the event of a bad piece, such as this manning helmet, the original source would become involved which is something neither UDA nor the original source wants.

if UDA had obtained it from the secondary market, then there'd be no team/player/league LOA. those are primary market sources. it's well-known that the card companies get their "game used" pieces from dealers and/or auction houses. i don't think UDA sees much value in including an LOA from Hopalong Cassidy's House 'O Jerseys. UDA is one of those companies that doesn't really understand the game-used hobby. if they did, they wouldn't be cutting up jerseys. they don't know the terms (hence they call themselves "authenticated" when in fact there's nothing to authenticate if you've just personally witnessed an athlete sign his name. maybe "Upper Deck Witnessed" would be more appropriate") and they don't understand the unique customs and practices in this hobby. why do you have the assumption that if UDA acquired a piece from the secondary market, they would include paperwork? where does this assumption come from? have you ever seen UDA offer another dealers paperwork before? UDA doesn't want collectors to know where they acquire pieces. when UDA offered "game used" cards from long deceased players, do you really think the cards came with auction house or dealer letters? they did not.

"And since you say they are not 'game used authenticators' wouldn't they want to include, or at least mention, that paperwork clarifying its authenticity rather than just assuming it is?"

why would they want to do that? it's you who's making the assumption. they're not responsible for that. all they said was they believe they acquired a game-used manning. they never said anything about how or where it was acquired. you assumed it was from the colts/manning directly. as i said, UDA is not familiar with the subleties of the game-used hobby.

"Any other suggestions as to why it has a red letter front bumper are welcomed."

because that's how UDA original bought it.

"I don't see why this seems to be too far fetched."

because it requires specific niche expertise that UDA doesn't have. since when was UDA an expert in game-used manning helmets? it'd be akin to them acquiring a 1994 griffey jersey, noticing it was missing the MLB 125 patch, and then going out to acquire the patch. 1) they don't know enough to know it's missing 2) they wouldn't even know what to acquire or where to acquire it. this is a card company/sports marketing firm. their knowledge of game-used helmets is probably on-par with mine.

"Isn't 'authentication' commonly backed by professional opinion, or belief, as well as factual information?"

i'll refrain from any authentication jokes here and say that i agree in theory. what is the source of UDA's "professional opinion" on game-used manning helmets? what factual information did they present to indicate that it's a game-used manning helmet? some lackey signed the form which is filled with little more than legalese intent on absolving themselves of any liability. i don't see an authentication report, do you?

"Doesn't UDA stand for Upper Deck Authenticated?"

yes but it refers to their autographs and in itself, is a misnomer.

"Aren't LOA's documents that certify that an item is deemed Authentic?"

UDA is certifying that they believe the helmet is authentic. my point was that you've assumed they acquired it directly from the colts/manning. their LOA states nothing of the sort. if i go out and purchase a jersey from rob steinmetz and then write a letter simply stating "i bought this from steinmetz. i think its real", is that an "LOA"?

"* Then who is this guy?

"Shawn Wilbur, an authorized representative of The Upper Deck Company, LLC ("Upper Deck") hereby certifies that the enclosed item.."

some lackey representative who acquired the helmet. read what the UDA letter says. shawn wilbur attests that the item was "legally procurred according to the regular procedures instituted by Upper Deck for obtaining such items..". maybe wilbur's the guy who bought it from a dealer/auction house. maybe he's just the guy who witnessed manning signing it. wait a second here..you first assumption was that UDA acquired it directly from the colts/manning. if that's the case, why would they need an authenticator? if some rep walks into the colts locker room and has manning hand him a helmet, where exactly is the authentication in that? verifying peyton's ID? the only pieces that need authentication are pieces not directly obtained. you believe the piece was directly obtained and yet you also believe shawn wilbur is an authenticator who authenticated it. those 2 ideas don't jive.

"Isn't Mr. Wilbur assuming the roll of an 'authenticator'"

i don't understand how you form your assumptions. if mr.wilbur simply picked up the manning "gamer" from some local street corner dealer how is he an authenticator? he's an authorized UDA rep who made a purchase on behalf of UDA.

"and isn't he said to be an 'authorized representative' of UDA?"

and authorized rep is code for "authenticator"?

aeneas and helmets, have you either of you guys ever in your entire history in this hobby ever come across any helmet, or any football item, ever authenticated by a mr. shawn wilbur? absolutely nothing shows up on google about shawn wilbur.

"Most would think that, based on that document, that UDA did authenticate that helmet."

i wouldn't. because i know UDA does no such thing. i know they personally witness signatures. i know the "A" in "UDA" refers to their signature collection process. and i know they procure game-used items from the secondary market. like i said before, send in a manning gamer to UDA and ask them to authenticate it. ask them to put shawn wilbur on the case. see what they say.

"Maybe I'm giving UDA too much credit here, but they are one of the biggest names out there and for them to pick up a said 'game worn' item and issue a LOA without that proper knowledge, or research, seems ludicrous."

ever read "card sharks"? might change your opinion of UD's policies and processes. so it seems ludicrous to you for UD to purchase off the secondary market, which you acknowledge they do, and not know what they're buying? i'm at a loss given the many upper deck "game used" cards that have contained dubious items. retail bats, jerseys issued way after a player's retirement, etc. "ludicrous"? sure. but it happened.

"I am not denying the fact that they buy off the 2nd hand market. In this particular case though it seems more plausible to think that they deemed it 'game worn' because they got it direct, rather than off the market."

so if they had bought it from the secondary market, they wouldn't deem it game worn? what would they call it? when UD offered game-used cards with jerseys from babe ruth and lou gehrig and on the back of those cards stated the items were "game worn", where did they acquire those jerseys? directly from ruth and gehrig? according to your logic, they must've acquired them directly because they called them "game worn".

rudy.

[kingjammy24]

"Maybe I'm giving UDA too much credit here, but they are one of the biggest names out there and for them to pick up a said 'game worn' item and issue a LOA without that proper knowledge, or research, seems ludicrous.

I am not denying the fact that they buy off the 2nd hand market. In this particular case though it seems more plausible to think that they deemed it 'game worn' because they got it direct, rather than off the market."

is it plausible to you that UDA acquired a helmet directly from manning/colts and did not specify that? that is, here's a company who's entire "authentication" system relies on personally witnessing signatures and tracking every detail of that process. they know the exact date each signature was witnessed. yet according to you UDA acquires this helmet directly from manning/colts and doesn't say a word about any of that? they don't mention such a huge fact or the date it was acquired? all they say about such amazing provenance is that the item was "acquired legally". to me, that seems ludicrous; for UDA to acquire a helmet directly from manning/colts and make absolutely no mention of it when they make a huge deal about trumpeting the fact that they acquire their signatures directly. the UDA website explicitly outlines the painstaking details UDA goes to to acquire in-person signatures yet there isn't a single word anywhere about them acquiring game-used items directly from these superstar athletes. it's conspicously absent from both their website and their "LOA". if you buy a michael jordan autograph from UDA, the cert will say UDA witnessed jordan personally signing it. why is there absolutely no mention of such direct provenance in this manning UDA cert?

rudy.

[mvandor]

No matter how you slice it Jammy, these lids raise flags that do NOT reflect positively on a company of UD's position in the hobby.

[TriplexXxSports]

Jammy,

Again, I agree with your POV. I think that you have read a little too far into my 'generic' scenario.

If someone buys that second manning helmet, the one 'Ol Wilbur' has his name on the LOA, and finds out through a 2nd or 3rd opinion that it is bogus, who is responsible? I would say UDA.

It just seems that UDA would be more careful of the wording on a game used LOA if they do not deal directly with game used.

Where did they get it, who knows.

As far as the jerseys for cards and such, I could agree more about the 2nd hand market and all that you mentioned. That's not at all what I am refering to here. Just these to 'said' game worn helmets.

[TriplexXxSports]

One more thing that I would like to add is I'm not assuming that they got these helmets from the team, or player, or even 2nd hand market.

I am bringing up possible scenarios as to why UDA issued a LOA for a game used helmet if they do not deal with game used items.

What information do they have that leads them to believe that it is a true gamer?

The easiest way IMO is to get it directly from the source. But, as we have been discussing that may not be true. So where is the info coming from, what evidence do they have?

Would they really issue a LOA because Col. Rast told them it was legit?

If so then that says alot about their company.

[kingjammy24]

"If someone buys that second manning helmet, the one 'Ol Wilbur' has his name on the LOA, and finds out through a 2nd or 3rd opinion that it is bogus, who is responsible? I would say UDA."

yes, UDA is responsible.

"I am bringing up possible scenarios as to why UDA issued a LOA for a game used helmet if they do not deal with game used items."

they deal with them to the extent that they purchase them from secondary sources.

"What information do they have that leads them to believe that it is a true gamer?"

whatever information the seller gave them.

"Would they really issue a LOA because Col. Rast told them it was legit?"

yes. you wouldn't because you're a game-used collector. UDA are a bunch of corporate suits. they're not game-used collectors. i doubt they're even card collectors. they buy items from dealers and auction houses and rely entirely on these dealers and auction houses. it may sound bizarre to you but it's how it works. look at the most recent upper deck game-used cards..they've changed the wording so instead of saying it's a game-worn item it now reads that the item "has been certified to us as having been event-worn"...key phrase being "certified to us". from who? from the dealers and auction houses selling their wares to upper deck.

"If so then that says alot about their company."

does it say anything new?

"It all started at a card shop called The Upper Deck that was near the Angels stadium in Anaheim, California. The shop’s owner, Bill Hemrick, had been fooled into buying a large quantity of counterfeit 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly rookie cards. He met an executive from a graphics company, Paul Sumner, and the two of them started to plan a new card company that would use hologram technology to prevent counterfeiting. Along the way, they needed to recruit several investors, and one of them, Richard McWilliam, eventually wrested control of the company from them. McWilliam was calling the shots by the time the first 1989 Upper Deck cards rolled off the presses in 1989....The first reprehensible act was related to the Dale Murphy reverse negative error card from 1989 Upper Deck. The error was corrected during the printing of the cards, and Upper Deck announced that only about 20,000 of the error cards were printed. This was in the days of massive overproduction, and a print run of 20,000 was considered amazingly low. The card’s value soared on the secondary market, and by September 1989, its Beckett book value reached $100 (when Beckett’s book value was an actual reflection of the market value). Even though Upper Deck was making a ton of money from sales of its incredibly popular first baseball card set, McWilliam became angry that he was not benefitting from the high secondary market value of the Murphy card. In the summer of 1989, he ordered the Murphy error cards to be reprinted, and 13,500 of them were produced. McWilliam and other executives then secretly sold the reprinted cards to dealers. This increased the supply of the cards, and not surprisingly, the value quickly began to drop. Essentially, people who invested in the card after being told that there were only 20,000 copies were screwed, while McWilliam’s wallet was fattened....
It got even worse with the sad story of Upper Deck French hockey cards. When Upper Deck first produced hockey cards for the 1990-91 season, they also made French language cards to sell in Canada. The French cards sold very poorly. When Upper Deck began planning its high-number series for hockey in the spring of 1991, they decided to produce only 620 cases of the French cards due to the low demand. However, when they leaked out that they only produced 620 cases, the demand for the cards shot through the roof. To give you an idea of how small of a supply 620 cases were, Upper Deck had produced 162,876 cases of baseball cards in 1990. The cases began selling for over $10,000 on the secondary market.
When Upper Deck saw that cases of the French hockey cards were selling for $10,000, McWilliam ordered a reprinting of the cards with 960 more cases being produced. Given the secondary market value, these new cases were worth $9.6 million. The cases were distributed to Upper Deck executives and board members, and many of them sold the cases, thus increasing the supply that was on the market, and bringing the value of the cards down dramatically. People who had bought the cases for $10,000, and even collectors who bought boxes, packs, or singles of the cards when their market value was significantly higher than the English cards, were royally screwed."

rudy.

[kingjammy24]

"Upper Deck president and CEO Richard McWilliam has earned the nickname Upper Dick. He was a bean counter who stumbled into the start of the company, put up some of his money, and ended up running it, even though he had very little sports knowledge or background. The way he is portrayed in the book, the most important thing was making money. And that he did, millions and millions."

"They then went on to mention the Upper Deck SP Quad card (the “1 of 1” card with signatures on Cobb, Ruth, Wagner and Johnson) that was sold on eBay. According to Eddie, the Ruth and Johnson were done by the artist Greg Marino. HBO then submitted the signatures to Global Authentication and Richard Simon and both of them rejected the Ruth and Johnson. In addition, they submitted the signatures to PSA for a “Quick Opinion” and got back the opinion that the Ruth and Johnson were “Likely Not Genuine”. The card sold on eBay for $85,000."

if upper deck can sell bad autographs that it acquired from god knows where, why not bad helmets?

the only thing i'd ever trust upper deck on would be autographs with players that it has current deals with. eg: kobe, jordan, lebron, tiger woods. as for game-used items, you're better off scouring ebay yourself. who knows, maybe you'll end up outbidding an upper deck rep (err.."authenticator).

rudy.

[Eric]

There are more out there

Here's a 2001 UDA Manning helmet with velcro transmitter connectors
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?Auction_ID=9144&aucsearch=peyton manning helmet&AucListType=closed&TitleDesc=0&period=

Here's one authenticated by Lampson's 100% Authentic back in 2003

2002 Peyton Manning Game Worn Helmet

8370


8/22/2003



http://www.100percentauthentic.com/pics/MissingThumb.gif (http://www.100percentauthentic.com/pics/MissingFull.gif)
Revolution-style Riddell helmet was worn last season by the immensely talented Indianapolis Colts quarterback. High-tech gamer is a thing of beauty, with air-flow top and dual ear holes. Wear is light, but typical for a quarterback that doesn't take a lot of hits. Number "18" in proper decals on verso, with Warning and N.F.L stickers, and "Colts" bumper. Velcro patches inside each ear hole for radio earpiece. Number "18" in marker in inner shell.
Plus, we were down this road in '07
http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=12730

[Eric]

According to the Sports collectors digest database, two other Peyton Manning game used helmets have gone up for auction.

2000 Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts Game-Used Helmet
Football
Game-used Helmets
$4,834
5/14/2008
Grey Flannel

Peyton Manning Game Used Helmet
Football
Game-used Helmets
$1,262
3/2/2006
Vintage Authentics

[TriplexXxSports]

Well with all that being said, I guess I WAS giving UDA too much credit.

As I said before, I do not deal with them very often. I have my card collection as anyone else, but that's about as far as it goes. As far as the game used stuff, I stand corrected. It just boggles my mind that they would do that.

Lesson learned.

Thanks for the debate guys!! :D

[jhunt28]

There are more out there

Here's a 2001 UDA Manning helmet with velcro transmitter connectors
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?Auction_ID=9144&aucsearch=peyton manning helmet&AucListType=closed&TitleDesc=0&period=

Here's one authenticated by Lampson's 100% Authentic back in 2003


2002 Peyton Manning Game Worn Helmet

8370



8/22/2003





http://www.100percentauthentic.com/pics/MissingThumb.gif (http://www.100percentauthentic.com/pics/MissingFull.gif)
Revolution-style Riddell helmet was worn last season by the immensely talented Indianapolis Colts quarterback. High-tech gamer is a thing of beauty, with air-flow top and dual ear holes. Wear is light, but typical for a quarterback that doesn't take a lot of hits. Number "18" in proper decals on verso, with Warning and N.F.L stickers, and "Colts" bumper. Velcro patches inside each ear hole for radio earpiece. Number "18" in marker in inner shell.
Plus, we were down this road in '07
http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=12730



Thanks for the links Eric...these identifiers make me think the one I have could be the real thing?? I was starting to doubt it...