Heritage Auction-Barry Sanders Game Worn Jersey

[mdallen22]

Is this Barry Sanders game worn jersey the real deal? Any Lions/Barry Sanders experts out there for help?

Heritage Auction currently has a 1992 Barry Sanders game worn jersey up for auction. I've been doing my best to find pictures or videos of home 1992 Lions jerseys to match up the name plate font, NFL logo placement, patterns & stitching, markings, etc...(you all know the drill), but i have a few questions/concerns.

This is the exact jersey that was sold in a previous Heritage auction in 2011; it was framed and sold for $2,269. It has the same markings on the left sleeve, and same markings/repairs on the shoulders; i'm certain it's the exact same jersey. I'm curious of the history of this jersey, who previously owned it, why did they take it out of the frame, can i get proof it came from a reliable party to verify it was game used? I've emailed Heritage already and no response yet. I won't be surprised if Heritage can't divulge all previous owner information but any information they can give would be helpful.

I've seen Lions jerseys with different font styles of the letters on the nameplates and i would like to know if this particular style is consistent with the jerseys during 1992. Were the letters more box like? Was there more spacing between the "B." and "Sanders? I've seen other game used Wilson jerseys and they were size 46, this one is a size 42, can anyone verify what size Sanders wore in early 90's Wilson jerseys?

Next I would like to pinpoint what game(s) this jersey was worn in. The jersey seems a bit light on wear. Maybe it was only used during one home indoor game?

If anyone has any Barry Sanders game used stuff i would be interested in seeing it and buying it or comparing.

If anyone would like to comment or send pictures or videos that can help verify the authenticity of this piece I would be greatly appreciate it.

2011 AUCTION:
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleN...lotIdNo=383010

2012 AUCTION:
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=7065&lotNo=81780

[mdallen22]

I would also like to add if you see this youtube video and pause it at 6:11 you can tell the font on the name plate is different; anyone disagree?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGKp7LYPgGk

[steve B]

Tough to tell from that spot on the video. There's a bit of ghosting and the angle distorts things.

But there's a much better if less complete look at 29:29



Different lettering for sure.

I don't know much else, like how consistent they were or if the one in the auction might be a different year.

Steve B

[mdallen22]

So we agree, without question, the lettering is different, but why? Like you said how consistent were the Lions with lettering and numbering on jerseys. Or was if it's not a 1992 jersey. As a potential buyer if you can't even get the year correct that is a big turn off considering we are dealing with a jersey in the 90's not the 50's. I've only researched 1992 jerseys so i guess it could be a different year.

Steve - If there are inconsistencies with the jerseys i need to look at more pictures and videos, but so far, all the games i've watched have the more "box like" lettering that you show in your print screen - Thanks for that close up looks great!

Have you or anyone else out there had experience with Heritage Auctions? Every try to contact them? Any bad experiences?

[mdallen22]

This is the third time this jersey has been offered for sale through Heritage - WARNING???

May 6, 2006 $6,273:
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleN...22#11861186381

November 11, 2011 $2,629:
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=7041&lotNo=81552

October 2012 (Current auction)
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=7065&lotNo=81780

Why does this same jersey keep being popped up for sale? I don't think it's often the same game worn jersey has been up for sale three different times, especially one that we are having a hard time authenticating.

[steve B]

I haven't had any experience with any of the major auctions. Most of their stuff is way outside my budget, and what isn't is in big lots so it's still too much.

I've done well at small places and online though, especially with poorly described items.

The mismatch would bother me more than its being offered 3 times in 6 years. Some people move stuff around as better stuff comes up.

Even assuming I had it, I don't think I'd spend 2K+ on something that's a bit of a puzzle. For that sort of price the research should already be done and done correctly.
Now if you find out it's a different year, maybe a more important year, that would be different.

Steve B