Cris Carter Dolphins Helmet - Ebay

[finfanrb23]

I am curious as to what you guys think about this Cris Carter helmet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-CRIS-CARTER-Miami-Dolphins-Game-Used-Helmet-His-Last-w-LOA-Photo-Matched-/281006743763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416d4e a0d3

To my eye it passes the test however I don't have much helmet knowledge. So your opinions would be very much appreciated. It has been relisted numerous times in the American Memorabilia auctions these past few months. I have been mildly interested every time but am a little turned off due to it's lack of provenance. The only thing the helmet comes with is the always popular 100% authentic letter.

When previously looking for photo match evidence I was able to see a faint outline of the 88 decal near the left earhole, but it wasn't really clear enough for me to pull the trigger. Of course now I am unable to find that same image. So what do you guys think? Does it look legit or should I hold out making my first helmet purchase until I find something that I feel more comfortable with?

[ivo610]

I am curious as to what you guys think about this Cris Carter helmet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-CRIS-CARTER-Miami-Dolphins-Game-Used-Helmet-His-Last-w-LOA-Photo-Matched-/281006743763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416d4e a0d3

To my eye it passes the test however I don't have much helmet knowledge. So your opinions would be very much appreciated. It has been relisted numerous times in the American Memorabilia auctions these past few months. I have been mildly interested every time but am a little turned off due to it's lack of provenance. The only thing the helmet comes with is the always popular 100% authentic letter.

When previously looking for photo match evidence I was able to see a faint outline of the 88 decal near the left earhole, but it wasn't really clear enough for me to pull the trigger. Of course now I am unable to find that same image. So what do you guys think? Does it look legit or should I hold out making my first helmet purchase until I find something that I feel more comfortable with?

First step would be matching the date codes.

Decals on helmets are sometimes removed so placement can vary during the season. Helmets are one of the hardest things to learn, but there are some great knowledgable members here who know their stuff.

[finfanrb23]

Thanks for the response ivo, I've asked the seller for the date codes on the facemask, clips and if there was any recertification stickers. Would those be the main identifiers I'm looking for?

[finfanrb23]

Welp, nevermind. I wonder why this LOA isn't included in the ebay auction?

http://www.100percentauthentic.com/pics/74797_11_lg.jpg

One thing I am confused with, why would 100 Percent Authentics write a LOA for a previously authenticated Misturini item? You'd think auction houses would distance themselves from him?

I'm glad I saw this LOA before I taught myself a very expensive lesson.

[Mulligans]

Interesting....It was on AMI for 3-4 months, but I never saw the Misturini paperwork with it? I wonder if it was added later or if someone thought it better not to post it?

AMI views the Forum regularly, maybe they will chime in as they are very aware of Steve Misturini.

[helmets]

On-Field Dolphin helmets from this era have a clear edge on the side stripes - many of which are a single wide stripe - 20 mils thick. The stripes on this helmet are not that style. They are the thinner mil thickness, with seperate side stripes from the center stripe - much like the Riddell collectible authentics had. Look closely at the photo of Carter and then at the helmet stripes.

OPO-SW mask, a set of shockblockers, stick an 88 on the inside and wham-o, a "Chris Carter" helmet.

[finfanrb23]

Thanks for the responses guys... I didn't notice the irregularities in the stripes until you mentioned it helmets. It's pretty obvious now. It's a shame that they are so easy to replicate.

Hope not to many are going all in on this one, it's at 250 now and ends in about 30 min.

[finfanrb23]

Ugh, ended at $461