Fair market value price for a game worn Randall Godfrey Titans helmet?

[Preston]

Hey guys,

As you know, I kinda like the Titans a little bit

Got a question - a guy I know has a Randall Godfrey game worn Titans helmet - everything looks good, the #56 number decals are on the back in the correct spot, and the guy offered it to me for $250 - I even went as high as $200 but he WOULD NOT budge. I'm wondering if $250 is a fair price for it given that it's got a LOT of wear and Randall was a decent player - I've never bought a game helmet before and I've learned kinda what to look for.

Two questions I guess - 1. What is fair market value? Is $250 a reasonable price? And 2. Is there any way to date the helmet with a code or anything like that inside/outside the helmet?

Thanks again and I REALLY appreciate the help. I didn't think to take pics because that would have made too much sense. I'm definitely confident in the authenticity, I just want to make sure I'm not overpaying.

[Preston]

Well I say I was confident but I'm starting to think the said helmet is more likely to be worn by Dennis Stallings than Randall Godfrey, because I'm not seeing many game helmets (or any) past 1999 that had number decals on the back of the helmet.

[BrianK]

The facemask is probably Schutt. Codes below. This is a simple place to start for dating.

3-letter code:
First is month
A = Jan, B = Feb, etc.
2nd is decade
G = 70s, H = 80s, I = 90s, J = 2000s, etc.
3rd is year
A = 1, B = 2, ... I = 9, J = 0.

From what I've seen, $250 is not unreasonable for any NFL helmet if it's genuine.

[mad87man]

250$ is a pretty good price. Figure a replica is at least 200 so if you get it and just get it signed it would be cool

[Preston]

That's very helpful...I'm thinking it's Dennis Stallings which is still cool. I'm working on getting some pics though.

[Preston]

Dumb question - I'll have a few I'm sure

Where on the facemask would the code be, and is there anything on the helmet itself to date it, or just the facemask? That REALLY helps a lot though Brian - I'm definitely keeping that info for reference.

The facemask is probably Schutt. Codes below. This is a simple place to start for dating.

3-letter code:
First is month
A = Jan, B = Feb, etc.
2nd is decade
G = 70s, H = 80s, I = 90s, J = 2000s, etc.
3rd is year
A = 1, B = 2, ... I = 9, J = 0.

From what I've seen, $250 is not unreasonable for any NFL helmet if it's genuine.

[BrianK]

Here's a sample facemask code from an old post. DIG is April 1997.

Yes, the shell is marked too. The mark and location varies by manufacturer and vintage. Generally Schutt heat stamps below one of the earholes - it's a 6-7 digit number that might be followed by a letter or two. Riddell heat stamps a circular mark in the crown as shown in the second photo. Often you have to push the padding aside to find the mark.

Photos would be great. There are some VERY knowledgable helmet people here.

[Preston]

Allright I finally have some pics and some more info - the facemask is a Riddell mask and the inside of the facemask reads Riddell Inc 03-01 (MB) and the second line has the code "NOCSAE".

ANY help is MUCH appreciated - I know Brian had pointed out how to "date" Schutt helmets/facemasks but Riddell I'm not sure how. Anyone know?

[Preston]

I really hope these pics and/or the information I obtained helps - I am supposed to let the guy know something by tomorrow. Any help is much appreciated. Is there anything else needed to assist in determining the date of the helmet?

[BrianK]

This is the reverse of what I guessed. A Schutt helmet with a Riddell mask. Not impossible, but very unusual.