Could use some advice on Autographed Jerseys....

[mr ozzie]

Hey fellas,

As the days go by, I'm finally beginning to form a proper specific player collection wantlist. Only took 3+ months, but hey, just got back into the hobby. Anyway, I have been thinking about buying some Autographed Pro Jerseys. Crosby and Ovechkin are at the top of my list. Not game-used, and not replicas. I saw a $6500 price tag on a Lemieux GU, and that's way above my league. My LCS has provided me with some decent price points to give me an idea on how much to save up. It looks like my first purchase would be somewhere in August-ish if things continue the way they are. Just want to hear what you guys/gals think about auto'd jerseys - from a value, and long (and I do mean long - 50+ years) term investment point-of-view, a comparable standpoint versus cardboard, and any other advice that I may need (yes, I know I need psychiatric help - no need to remind me ). Thanks-in-advance.

[doniceage]

What jerseys are you plan on collecting if you know. Would help with suggestions.

Don

[RGM81]

I'm not sure I follow what type of jersey you're going to be collecting - you kind of muddy the waters when you wrote "not game used, and not replicas." That's really all there is - the kind that the pros wear in a game and the kind you can buy in a store that looks just like the ones that the pros wear. There's the RBK Edge Authentic, which is the pro jersey with the fight strap and everything, and the RBK Premier, which is what you see in the stores and costs half the price.

There's a lot of vendors out there that sell framed & autographed jerseys - they are not cheap, as obviously there's a $300 jersey, the player's autograph, and the frame itself all going into the pricing, but they look pretty spectacular.

[v3rs3]

I'm not sure where you live really, but I'd never buy an autographed jersey. Just doesn't seem worth it to me when I can buy a jersey then go down to the arena and have them sign it right in front of me for half the price. Plus it's a better story and has more emotional value. I have a Brassard Auto jersey and just waiting for some time to go get my Russell jersey signed.

[HammerHawks]

Just buy jerseys and try to get them signed in person. For your collection, I'd get Premiers, you'll be able to get twice as many jerseys. I have a Kane Replica Winter Classic Jersey that I got autographed at the US Olympic Orientation Camp over the summer. Had to wait for about 45 minutes, but definitely worth it.

[mr ozzie]

Sorry fellas for sounding a little vague. I meant Pro Authentic Jerseys. I had a replica Felix Potvin Leafs before and it was outright cheap in quality. Looked like the real thing with the patches and all, and it only cost me $100CAD (well, back then), but the material was thinner. I can't find the link, but I saw a Ryan Miller Autographed Replica for $200US, and that is the type of jersey I'm trying to avoid. As a better example, here's what I'm referring to:

http://www.frameworth.com/cart/produ...cat=100&page=9

Hopefully, that clears things up. Not framed I believe, but that's alright. I will frame it once I move in with my GF. Been thinking about buying Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, & Orr (apparently has his own company making them, so the price is decent) to start things off. If things go well, I might consider others, particularly Michael Jordan, Steve Nash, Kobe, and maybe Joe Montana if it can be found.

[mr ozzie]

After a little more digging...

Here's a replica:

http://www.frameworth.com/cart/produ...cat=100&page=6

And here's a pro:

http://www.frameworth.com/cart/produ...cat=100&page=6

Price difference of $300CAD.

[mr ozzie]

I'm not sure where you live really, but I'd never buy an autographed jersey.

I live in the centre of the hockey universe - Leafs Nation.

[netsinah]

I'll disagree with those who've responded so far. I collect jerseys and assume it's the kind you mention, so I know where you're coming from. I also note you've indicated you're interested in Crosby and Ovechkin jerseys, as a start to your collection.

First of all, you're talking about authentic pro jerseys (the same the player would wear) so not replica jerseys. Secondly, I assume you're referring to jerseys that are autographed and the autograph has been certified by a reputable company. The certification is what gives you most of the value...so attending at an arena and getting the player to personally sign the jersey isn't what you want since only you know the auto is legit...and your goal to have a jersey that maintains its value over the long term won't be achieved w/o a certified auto. I suppose you could get an in-person auto at an arena then send the jersey away to have the auto certified, but I think that a jersey already certified by a known company has more appeal to a broader population (I say this knowing it'll attract disagreement...and people will also say "arena autos" are all the "true collector" needs, if the auto is only for you).

As for some pointers, the best thing to do with your jerseys, is to display them. They're colourful, interesting, take up sizeable wall space and they're a great conversation piece. Mine are in my basement and give that space a really neat sports theme. If you entertain lots, you'll receive tons of compliments; for some reason...mostly from males and not females...my spouse still calls them my "T-shirts" (sigh). Make sure you find a framer who knows how to properly frame a jersey: museum style with light refracting glass to best protect the signature and acid-free matting to ensure there's no damage to the jersey itself over time. You'll have to choose your style of framing and after that, it's key that you maintain the same style for all your jerseys so they present well and give you the look of a collection. Consistent framing will ensure that everyone looks at the jersey and they're not distracted by its frame. Even with proper glass, don't store the jersey in direct sunlight since you're inviting problems with a signature that'll eventually fade. You could purchase a shadow-box style frame where you hang the jersey and the glass lid opens so you can take the jersey out. I only use that type of frame for game-worn jerseys, since it's nice to take them out and see all the game use. I've chosen to fully encase the non-game worn jerseys with several layers of matting...since you're left with more colour options for the different mats and can colour match the jersey/team colours which really high-lights the jersey and makes for a more attractive presentation. You'll have to carefully consider the framing styles and decide on the one that best appeals to you and works best with where you plan to display each jersey. Finally, if you're looking for long-term value, consider buying jerseys that commemorate specific events in the player's career. These usually have extra patching and are made in limited numbers, with the number specified on the jersey itself. Hope this helps you out and good luck!

[mr ozzie]

Thanks-a-bunch Netsinah! I didn't know framing can be so important in preserving the jersey. I'll keep in mind about the sunlight thing as I was planning on displaying the jerseys in a den of some sort.