Getting a COA for an item

[texansfan23]

Hello, First time poster. I recently acquired Andre Johnson's 2009 Pro Bowl game-worn pants. I got them from a guy who lives in Hawaii, and got them after the game. I haven't gotten them in the mail, but there are apparently 8 photos that can used to photo-match with the pants (i.e. the stains match up). I have no doubt that these are the real thing, but I'd like to get a piece of paper that says so. Who are the best companies?

[mfsquirrelmaster]

If you got a photomatch no need for COA. I'm not sure how much Mears charges for authentication but, it may be close to the total value of the pants.

[otismalibu]

[LWMM]

As said, the photo matches will suffice, and are more valuable (yet cheaper!) than anything that MEARS or anyone else can provide. If you really want a COA to go along with the item, I would just ask the person that you bought the pants from to write a letter detailing how he came into posession of them. You, too, could write something detailing the use, including reference to the photos.

[Rob L]

Definitive photos = no COA. The COA would be a waste of money and advanced collectors would rather have photos then any letter!

[trsent]

I agree. MEARS is one of the few independent companies that would write a letter for such an item, but the cost may not justify what they provide for this item as I don't think the value may be enough to justify the expense.

You can contact them for a quote on the service at www.mearsonline.com to see if it is worth your time and money.

Another option, I know forum regular Dave Miedema may still offer a service for a reasonable fee to write a letter for such an item. You can reach Dave at: sox83cubs84@hotmail.com