Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

[beantown]

http://cgi.ebay.com/L-3-TOM-BRADY-PATRIOTS-2004-GAME-ISSUE-TILLMAN-HELMET_W0QQitemZ230287974585QQihZ013QQcategoryZ50133QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

IMO, there is no way this helmet was issued for Brady, especially since it's not the correct size!

Pictures speaks for themselves....

[mvandor]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

Gridiron Authentics has been discussed before as misusing the term "game issue" to describe their helmets which have been customized to approximate the player's actual lid. Aeneas has had exchanges with Joe over there on that issue before, but he persists in the practice. Rick Radtke was also discussed at the time for doing the same thing and to Rick's credit I believe he stopped using the term.

[beantown]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

The helmet appears to be nothing more than a store bought, size Large Authentic Riddell helmet, with the exception of the added decals...

[trsent]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

The helmet appears to be nothing more than a store bought, size Large Authentic Riddell helmet, with the exception of the added decals...

They say in the auction description:

"Featured is a true gem of sports memorabilia - a Tom Brady 2004 New England Patriots Game Issue Helmet - as issued to Tom to wear during the 2004 NFL season and features the rare Pat Tillman Tribute decal on rear of helmet. We had one of these helmets signed by Tom and it sold for $3,000. To be clear, this helmet has NOT been worn by Tom Brady but is the same customized helmet that he would wear in 2004. Do not confuse this piece as a 'dressed up' Pro-Line helmet. This hemet is as issued to Tom to wear on field in NFL games including such unique features as Tom's choice Schutt facemask, reinforced shock-blockers, dual-latch leather chinstrap, interior transmitter receptical pads, 'BRADY 12' interior tagging, US Tribute Flag on rear with '12' decal, clear navy warning decal and other attributes ONLY found on true game issue helmets. A dynamite piece that will stand out in the finest collection! Includes Letter of Authenticity describing helmet's unique nature."

They claim it is not a dressed up Pro-Line helmet.

So, what is it then if it is not Tom Brady's size?

[mvandor]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

They say in the auction description:

"Featured is a true gem of sports memorabilia - a Tom Brady 2004 New England Patriots Game Issue Helmet - as issued to Tom to wear during the 2004 NFL season and features the rare Pat Tillman Tribute decal on rear of helmet. We had one of these helmets signed by Tom and it sold for $3,000. To be clear, this helmet has NOT been worn by Tom Brady but is the same customized helmet that he would wear in 2004. Do not confuse this piece as a 'dressed up' Pro-Line helmet. This hemet is as issued to Tom to wear on field in NFL games including such unique features as Tom's choice Schutt facemask, reinforced shock-blockers, dual-latch leather chinstrap, interior transmitter receptical pads, 'BRADY 12' interior tagging, US Tribute Flag on rear with '12' decal, clear navy warning decal and other attributes ONLY found on true game issue helmets. A dynamite piece that will stand out in the finest collection! Includes Letter of Authenticity describing helmet's unique nature."

They claim it is not a dressed up Pro-Line helmet.

So, what is it then if it is not Tom Brady's size?

In the past, Joe has implied his "game issue" helmets have come from a source at a reconditioning company. Could they be lids that failed inspection and were to be discarded and that an employee reconditioned anyway, snuck out the back door and sold to GA? Dunno. Joe claims they come to him decaled and they do NOTHING to them, but reconditioners don't decal helmets I'm told. So, could an unscrupulous guy at a reconditioner sneak a few out the door, decal them at home, THEN sell them to Joe? Don't know, his stories have always been a bit muddled, but there's no question his creative descriptions result in nicely customized copies going at inflated prices.

RealStuff does a pretty nice looking one for about $259.99!

[beantown]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

IMO it is a "dressed up" proline helmet...Robert (aeneas01) could shed more light with specific terminology....here is a photo of the helmet Brady's helmet vs. Doug Flutie's....there are OBVIOUS differences (size of ear hole, contour of back of helmet), which are not represented on the helmet listed as "game issued" on eBay......

[mvandor]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

Both valid points, I'm sure Robert could tell us the different model numbers in play, both appear to be Riddell but different models, your observations appear spot on to me.

The misrepresentation (or truth shading) on the game issue helmets is my only beef with Joe, a significant part of my non game used NFL collection came from GA and they are the best for service and quality on their signed retail stuff. But he just refuses to be straightforward on the small number of items he represents as "game issue".

[aeneas01]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

ga is shameless - they know exactly what they're doing by playing words games. their reproductions have sold for $800+ because of their mumbo jumbo...

[helmets]

Re: Tom Brady "Issued" Helmet?

It is nothing more than a dressed up Proline. Brady has alway wore the XL shell. Gridiron used to buy helmets from Real Stuff Sports as did Lambeau Leeper and many others. Those two now "customize" their own Prolines and/or Schutt helmets and continue to call them "Game Issued."