Resources for researching authenticity of game used items?

[grandpahoo]

Can any of you hook me with some resources to use when researching the authenticity of items that are being offered as "game used"? In particular, I've spent a significant amount of time trying to find information regarding NFL jerseys (e.g., the manufacturers, tagging, and other information associated with various teams and years) and MLB bats used by lesser known / obscure players, but I feel like I'm just beating my head against the wall. Any suggestions?

[skyking26]

Mike Specht here at the forum for bat info. Rob Steinmetz has always been great about info regarding jerseys. Both are here and are over the top in terms of info, and just fun to talk with...

RK

[grandpahoo]

Mike Specht here at the forum for bat info. Rob Steinmetz has always been great about info regarding jerseys. Both are here and are over the top in terms of info, and just fun to talk with...

RK

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I kind of feel bad asking people here questions about specific items, as I've seen a few people respond with something to the effect of "Why don't you research it yourself?" Also, I actually LIKE doing research (yes, I'm a tool).

I know about "MLB Game Worn Jerseys of the Double Knit Era," as well as Vince Malta's book, both of which are great. However, when I'm at a complete loss when trying to determine whether, for example, the Ravens jerseys in the current Grey Flannel auction or a bat from an obscure ex-Oriole like John Lowenstein or Benny Ayala is "real." It may be that there aren't similar resources out there for those types of items - if that's the case, I'd just like to know so I can stop obsessively looking for info that doesn't exist.

[tym]

Don't feel bad for asking....If this forum was around 25 years ago I wouldn't have a Braves jersey in my closet that should be used for fire starting in the old fireplace (waiting for the first snow, will post images later...when flames attached). Mater fact if people give you the impression you shouldn't ask, note their names and after you get enough experience in the area that you collect you can send them a "Remember when" email . If they make you feel this way, they shouldnt be on this forum! Also remember you can email as well!

I have people that have thought me much over the last several decades, and I am fine with asking the questions that should be asked! Pride can be regained, spent dollars are gone for good!
Regards,
Ty
www.FriendsOfCFF.com

[Tedw9]

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I kind of feel bad asking people here questions about specific items, as I've seen a few people respond with something to the effect of "Why don't you research it yourself?" Also, I actually LIKE doing research (yes, I'm a tool).

Being a newbie myself to this forum and to collecting game used, I've posted a few questions about specific items. Every time I have, some kind person has come in and overloaded me with information about the item. I have never had someone be short with me or tell me to "research it myself". Recently one very kind board member found a photo match for me on a game used bat! If anything, the people here have been more kind and helpful than I could have ever imagined.

I think you may be surprised at the response you get if you post a couple of questions on an item or two. Give it a try and see what happens.

[EndzoneSports]

Can any of you hook me with some resources to use when researching the authenticity of items that are being offered as "game used"? In particular, I've spent a significant amount of time trying to find information regarding NFL jerseys (e.g., the manufacturers, tagging, and other information associated with various teams and years) and MLB bats used by lesser known / obscure players, but I feel like I'm just beating my head against the wall. Any suggestions?

Generally not one to toot my own horn, but since you asked... I maintain a fairly extensive web-based resource at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/. While predominately centered on the Denver Broncos uniform history and game-jersey specifications, we have received feedback from visitors that they at least found the site interesting, if not somewhat useful in general. Our intent of this site is for it to be used a a repository to share the most relevant information that we have compiled on the topic; hopefully allowing interested visitors to use this information in researching items on their own.

My recommendation is to explore links found on the "Resources" page (at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/resource.htm) with some of the more broad-based items including:

• ESC's Endzone Collection photo gallery at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/Graphics/ROFers/ECHome.htm - Page w/ links to higher res photos showing examples of actual game jerseys within our collection
• ESC's Other Uniform Photo ID Resources at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/aflunis.htm - Page w/ links to photos of game-worn jerseys of other 9 AFL teams (Chargers, Raiders, Chiefs, Jets, Patriots, Bills, Oilers, Dolphins & Bengals)
• ESC's Broncos Jersey Sales Data Archive at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/UniPrice.xls - Download-able Excel file with historic pricing data.
• ESC's Broncos Jersey Tagging at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/PDFs/tagging.pdf - Download-able PDF file showing examples of jersey tagging styles.
• Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Game-Used Jerseys at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/bguide.htm - Just as the title states
• Broncos Uniform Detail by year at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/detail.htm - Page w/ links to download-able PDF files with design/manufacturing specifications for each specific year of uniform/jersey.

Our knowledge is very limited outside of our specific area of interest (the Broncos), however, there is indeed some amount of information carry-over that others have found helpful.

Best regards,

[RKGIBSON]

Patrick,

Nice job with your web site. A lot of good info. Thanks.

Roger

[grandpahoo]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, I really appreciate it. Patrick, that's exactly the type of information I'm looking for - thank you very much. Also, I keep meaning to post a message on your site about my neverending quest to find a Shawn Moore jersey - I'm going to try to remember to do that today.