Barry Larkin helmet from Hunt Auctions, what year?

[skipcarayislegend]

It was manufactured in Feb. 1998. Use could've easily occurred between then and '01. Unlike they do with jerseys, teams often issue "old" new helmets. I've owned many like that, including a Reds helmet that was made about 7-8 years prior to being used. I've seen the Braves sell unused 80s helmets as recently as a couple years ago. It's no big deal. I'd be surprised if you weren't able to photo match your helmet. Don't be too disappointed if you find that it was used prior to '01. Just be glad it's real. Hunt's a solid house but helmets are tough to authenticate. Good luck.

[AWA85]

I was actually watching that helmet, couldn't believe the price it went for but congrats on the pick up. The helmet would have been worn in 2001 (providing it is 100% legit). They added the flag to the helmets that were being used during the season once 9/11 occured. So basically, Larkin wore the helmet early in the year and the flag was added later, even though he did not play during this time.