first chance to get a jersey with the new captains patch

[mfsquirrelmaster]

http://www.nflauction.nfl.com/cgi-bi...5664914&type=A

[jayt1234]

Again I am pretty new to this hobby, but I cannot believe the prices some people pay for some stuff.

Jay

[mfsquirrelmaster]

Every item on the nfl, mlb, and nba auction websites seem to go very high. Maybe the different charitys have something to do with it. Maybe people have given up all hope in finding legit gamers on other auction websites.

[Jags Fan Dan]

Every item on the nfl, mlb, and nba auction websites seem to go very high. Maybe the different charitys have something to do with it. Maybe people have given up all hope in finding legit gamers on other auction websites.

I, too, could almost justify some of the price increase just due to buyer's comfort in the authenticity, but even the non-game used stuff (autographed footballs and mini helmets) go for way, way more than the same item on ebay would command.

[Jake51]

Hi,

I'm the guy that won these auctions tonight so I thought I would quickly throw my two cents in.

My reasoning for picking up these jerseys [at these prices] is:

• Authenticity - I have no doubt these are truly game worn, not only because of the source but I was also able to photo match them as well. I normally shy away from 'modern' jerseys like the plague because of the abundance of fake gamers out there so the only way I would make a purchase of a newer gamer is with iron clad proof that it is real.
• Closure - I am a life-long Broncos fan and I only collect Broncos gamers. My primary focus is on 60's and 70's Broncos gamers however there were four modern day players I wanted to add to my collection: Rod Smith, Tom Nalen, John Lynch, Champ Bailey. The only one I had remaining on my list was Champ so I can now officially close out the 'modern day' portion of my collection and devote all of my attention to older players. [I took a flyer on the Cutler in the hope that he lives up to the hype. If he doesn't I'll be posting on the greatest regrets thread that was posted recently!]
• Fun - The last reason is just plain enjoyment. I was at this game, cheered so loud that I couldn't talk the next day and have these to add to my memories of the game.

Anyway, that's it. Thanks for reading.

Tom

[jayt1234]

Just so you know I was not in anyway criticizing the jersey or the price, I was only amazed at how much some stuff can, and does go for. It is fair to say that the money is well spent for a number of reasons but like you mentioned the 100% certainty of where it came from is worth a lot. Buying that same jersey on Ebay for 1/2 the cost supplied by "a friend of a friend who knows the equipment manager" would be questionable. Also having what could be the first captains Jersey is pretty cool as well.

Jay

[Jake51]

Jay – No worries, I didn’t take your comments as a personal criticism, I just wanted to share where I was coming from with these jerseys.

Mvandor – Personally, I agree with you that the prices for non game used items seems excessive. That said, it goes back to doing what you need to do to feel good about what you picked up. If going the ebay route or to a questionable auction house leaves a twinge of doubt in your mind that keeps you from enjoying your item, then sometimes the premium is worth it.

Roger – Thanks, I am pretty excited to have them. Also, I couldn’t have said it better myself – I don’t want to pay more then I have to but I also have made a conscious choice not to sit on the sidelines when something comes up that I want to add to my collection. Guess it plays to the addictive nature of this whole hobby...ha!

I also have a question for you, have you purchased from NFL auctions before? This is my first time buying from them and I was just curious as to how fast they ship.

Thanks again for the comments.

Tom

[otismalibu]

Again I am pretty new to this hobby, but I cannot believe the prices some people pay for some stuff.

For many of the big ticket purchases, this seems to be a faith based industry.

Fiat money.

How often do you see an auction house offer a big ticket item, with some sort of visual evidence to substantiate the claim? I'm not talking a photo match, but simply a style match. And when contrary visual evidence is presented on this forum, how often is it addressed?

I called GFC once about a jersey that had been questioned on the old GUF site. Mr. Russek simply told me "the jersey is good". This was an offering with atypical lettering and I was looking for a little more proof. Gotta give them some props, because they will at least take a call or reply with an email. I've never once received a reply from AMI.

If something has a letter from a major auction house, someone is going to believe it's the real deal...whether or not it is or not. And if that buyer subsequently has doubts about his/her purchase, they can rest easy knowing there is another rube not doing their homework who will most likely happily purchase the item.

As long as there are people who have confidence in the currency being passed around, it will always have some value.

[RKGIBSON]

I use the handwash setting on my washer. I put it on the smallest load setting with 1 tablespoon of detergent. I also add about 4 table spoons of salt. I was told years ago that this can be used to set colors in new clothes the first time they are washed. Does it do any good, who knows, but I do it. I usually let the jersey soak at some point in the cycle. I always pull it out between the wash and the spin hand rinse it. If it still smells, I run it through the handwash cycle again not using any more soap.

One more thing I always photo all my jerseys, in detail, before they are washed. If there is ever any question that this is the jersey it can be proven. I have only had one that washing it effected it enough to bring it in question. It was caked in mud from a rainy game. Before and after attached.


Roger

[Jake51]

Thanks everyone for all of the good advice. I'll be honest Roger, seeing that last example you posted makes me nervous to wash mine - I understand why they have to be washed, just hate to lose any of the 'use'. The idea of taking pictures of them when they first show up is a good one, I'll do that and post them to the forum.

Thanks again.

Tom