Skeptical on Bonds Helmet in Legendary Auctions

[matt]

I only did about 30 minutes of work, but wanted to post what I learned on this 1993 Bonds Helmet
http://legendaryauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?lotid=105730&searchby=0&searchvalue=None&page=0&sortby=0&displayby=2&lotsperpage=100&category=35

While Bonds did wear this style with the taped "BONDS" label on the back in 1993, I was unable to find a match on this one. Here are the problems

1. The font of the logo on the helmet is all wrong. Does not match the font used in 1993 (should be smooth lettering, not jagged). It looks pretty sloppy when you compare it to Getty images. Maybe it was retouched.

2. The auction helmet has very little use, yet the photos from '93 and '94 show consistent use on his helmets.

3. He wore a few different ones in 1993, but none of the photos has this alignment of the ABC logo and BONDS label.

4. It is a 1991 manufactured helmet and Bonds did not join the Giants till 1993. I guess it could be possible.

In sum, while I cannot rule this out, I can see why the bidding is so low.

Matt

[Bondsgloves]

In 1993 they used Dyno tape on the back of the helmet. The tape on the helmet in the auction is flat, not raised like dyno tape. So Bonds on the back of the helmet is wrong as well.

[hippo916]

In my opinion, the font is the 1994 to 1999 version. And if it is Dymo tape, the strip is too long as the Giants cropped the tape close to the lettering. Looks like the same extended strip length on the "Kent" helmet recently discussed on the forum.