Autographed Helmets Journey

stown · April 21, 2007 10:16AM

As I stated in another thread, I'm looking for a full sized Heisman helmet. I'm going to a show in a month and wanted to get several autographs.

Everything listed in google is sold out and nothing on eBay.

The replica is about $100 and official is $200. Doesn't really matter which one, just want one before going to the show.

First to find one gets a little something something. Keep in mind that a site may show it's available but when you go to check out, it's out of stock.

Thanks in advance.

goose3 · April 21, 2007 10:45AM

There ya go

goose3 · April 21, 2007 10:47AM

another

stown · April 21, 2007 11:06AM

That was quick

PM me your address, your card awaits

stown · April 29, 2007 2:37AM

Well what do you know, Riddell discontinued the helmet a while ago and no one has it in stock.

I've gone through multiple sources, their vendors, and even their vendors' vendor... Nada, zip, zilch

So now, I've got to essentially semi-custom make one. Purchase an existing helmet, removing the decal, and then replacing it with a Heisman one.

Some have suggested purchasing one that's already signed by one or more but that defeats the purpose. This is for me and something that I can reflect on years down the road, knowing I was face-to-face with them. Did it years ago with my HOF bat and it's something I still cherish today...

Anyway..

The easiest would be a plain-jane NFL one, but that's boring:

I really want the sigs to stand out... The decal is black and will probably use a black sharpie (but open to suggestions).

NFL teams I'm considering are the Saints or the Raiders:

As for NCAA teams, the decal would be easier to remove and with ND, there's nothing to do. Problem is the bumper (or whatever it's called) above the facemask on official helmets; it has the team's name. It's not a problem with the replicas but considering how much money I'll probably have into it at the end of the day, I sorta kinda have to get the official one

Unless there's some way to replace it with a Riddell one...

I'm not marred to the idea of having a gold or silver helmet, just seems the most appealing.

Since I'm anticipating to get multiple autographs over the years, I may limit the decal to one side so I'll have sufficient space. All I know is that I've got less than a month and need to make an executive decision soon.

Suggestions, ideas, thoughts, etc would be greatly and sincerely appreciated. Best gets a little something something.

Thanks in advance

jmbkb4 · April 29, 2007 2:43AM

Another example of what a NICE and GENEROUS board this is!

Edited: Sorry, I posted this before seeing that the sites were sold out - but my original post still stands!!

stown · April 29, 2007 2:48AM

<< Another example of what a NICE and GENEROUS board this is!

Edited: Sorry, I posted this before seeing that the sites were sold out - but my original post still stands!! >>

As a token of appreciation and good intent, Goose's son will be enjoying some cards soon.

But nothing for Goose himself. He sux

Contest is still open

SoFLPhillyFan · April 29, 2007 3:04AM

You can buy directly from Riddell without the team name. Pick a style. I looked at the second one from the top. Looks like you want "South Bend Gold" or "Vegas Gold."

Riddell Helmets

Also, if you're looking for gold with the black thin stripe down the center, look for an Army helmet. West Point has that exact design. This from many cold hours in Philly watching the Black and Gold kick Navy butt every November thanks to a relative who was an Army All American. Of course that has changed now.

Army helmet

SoFLPhillyFan · April 29, 2007 3:39AM

Here's one with a couple of autos already -

Campbell / Williams auto helmet

CDsNuts · April 29, 2007 3:49AM

I don't get it. You tried to order from those 2 sites and they were out of stock, but they still have them listed?

Lee

stown · April 29, 2007 4:24AM

<< You can buy directly from Riddell without the team name. Pick a style. I looked at the second one from the top. Looks like you want "South Bend Gold" or "Vegas Gold."

Riddell Helmets >>

I attempted to call them but they're closed on the weekends. Shot an email and will give another call in the AM. Don't want to make a mistake and order the wrong accessory (ie chin strap).

<< Army helmet >>

Who makes their helmet? They probably have an exclusive because Riddell doesn't make anything for Army. I know that I'm being a little snooty but I'm going to pass on the store brand

<< I don't get it. You tried to order from those 2 sites and they were out of stock, but they still have them listed?

Lee >>

That's exactly what happened. I placed an order with one, charge showed up on statement, and after several phone calls and emails asking if they had it in stock, they finally responded saying they didn't

After offering 10% off other in-stock items, I requested a refund. Rather than tying up more cash with the other site, finally got a hold of someone and they too were out of stock.

Apparently, this helmet was discontinued unannounced about 6 months ago... Never gave people/vendors/dealers the opportunity to stock up for collectors such as myself.

Just out of spite and principals alone, I shouldn't get a Riddell helmet for this journey.

But again, I'm kinda going to be snooty about this

stown · May 1, 2007 12:09AM

Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions here and via PM. As a side note to the PMs, I don't think they would consider it spam but I appreciate the concern

Per Riddell, they no longer have a license to produce the Heisman helmet. Don't ask because they wouldn't elaborate. So, I took Keith's suggestion (which ironically, I suggested in the other thread) and had a custom helmet made. They are going to paint it "South Bend Gold" and ship it within a week (allegedly). In turn, I'll have to apply the decal and black stripe, which will be sent seperately.

So now comes the tricky part, as if it hasn't been tricky already...

I'm going to start getting autographs on the Heisman and a HOF helmet, comparable to my HOF bat:

Hopefully some day, both will look like this (but with more sigs

)

Please keep in mind that I'm not concerned about value nor is this considered an investment. It's something for my personal collection and memories of personally meeting The Greats from years gone by.

Here's my dilema... I want there to be sufficent room for years of signatures. Should I remove one of the decals to allow for more canvas space or keep them as is? I really don't know... Part of me wants to stay traditional with decals on both sides. However, knowing I'll have more room for additional signatures kind of outweighs the traditional thinking.

Thoughs?

I'll update this thread as I make progess.

Thanks again for the suggestions, much appreciated.

BTW - Keith's prize will go out tomorrow

stown · May 24, 2007 5:16AM

Sweet, my custom helmet just came in. I give Riddell a D- for customer service and a F for packaging

However, it's here and now I get to attempt putting the decals on it. Play-by-play semi-real-time pictures to come tonight. Due to having not the most steady hands, probably wouldn't be the best idea to have my late afternoon coffee. I only get one shot at this or I'm fooooked.

SoFLPhillyFan · May 24, 2007 5:18AM

You have to try it on at least once too of course.

Good luck with the decals.

stown · May 26, 2007 10:39AM

Well, it wasn't difficut but wasn't easy. Only took about 30 minutes and one decal may be just a tad higher than the other. However, it's good enough for me and makes it "unique"

And here's my HOF one that came as is

I'm going to the Tristar show this weekend and will get every HOF and Heisman player. Set me back a few bucks but will be worth every penny for the memories.

Player Lineup

And the journey begins....

Ahmanfan · May 26, 2007 11:55AM

for the price of schaub you could get 4 HOF autos. wow. who is going to pay that for him? yeesh.

SoFLPhillyFan · May 26, 2007 12:24PM

Wow, is that 6 Heisman winners in one shot? Can't beat that.

Good luck. Can't wait to see the pics.

MeteoriteGuy · May 26, 2007 3:06PM

Nice job on the helmet...or helmets now should I say. In person cost more at times but it is worth it in the end. Gives you a chance to meet the person and shake their hand.

I took a Chiefs helmet around for a couple years, mostly to charity events and then picked up a dozen or so standing beside the ramp at Arrowhead. That's always fun you can boo the umpires and the other team as they enter...:^) I had about 40 sigs on the helmet, with two large decals on each side and others still could have signed it. (Sold the helmet for a very good price the week after Derrick Thomas' death.)

I imagine with Texas shows alone you could get those filled up pretty fast.

Mark

prscott933 · May 26, 2007 3:12PM

one of the best childhood memories i have is shaking dave winfield's hand (he's HUGE)... worth every penny of the overpriced auto.

on another note... i miss DT. sad sad day of his passing.

envoy98 · May 26, 2007 3:22PM

TriStar is great about getting Heisman guys in. They usually have 6 or so at one of the shows each year.

Nice to see them get 8 guys this time around. Not to mention some of the new HOF class, that's awesome, especially for those guys that have the HOF helmets started already. Definitely a cool conversation pice.

Should be a good time. I can't believe how cheap some of these HOF'ers are.

stown · June 1, 2007 8:56AM

Today was Lem Barney and Yale Lary.

Unfortunately, Mr. Lary is currently hospitalized for unknown reasons and unable to attend. Prayers go out to him and his family.

And so it begins...

stown · June 2, 2007 5:59AM

The HOF one is coming along nicely. I polietly ask them to sign just a tad smaller than usual because of multiple autographs

On the other hand, the Heisman is currently running 50/50.. Archie was money but Eddie had other plans; however, it was partly my fault.

For a little background, I was a HUGE Eddie fan. Even though they bailed to TEN, I had little man-crushes on McNair and George. I even protected them over any other players on my fantasy team for 5 years (we protect 2 in our league). It was an Oiler thing and me not wanting to let it go

They then went to the Super Bowl, I won the Championship, and my loyalty continued.

Anyhoo, I was chatting with Eddie during the signing and obviously distracted him; so there's a small personal effect on there

Part of me is a little bitter but I'll get over it eventually.

As a side note: None of the dealers had this type of Heisman helmet available. One guy was selling some REALLY ugly ones with gold stars, half-arsed stickers, and decals that looked way too small. Glad I didn't wait for the show and honestly feel bad for those who did.

More tomorrow

CDsNuts · June 2, 2007 7:48AM

Sounds like you could've made about 200 of those Heisman helmets and sold them for $125 each. I'm just saying.....

Lee

elsnorto · June 2, 2007 7:54AM

Ok, what am I missing with regards to the "small personal effect" on Eddie's sig?

Snorto~

stown · June 2, 2007 8:15AM

<< Sounds like you could've made about 200 of those Heisman helmets and sold them for $125 each. I'm just saying.....

Lee >>

For the replica, $125 - $150 with my eyes closed. For the authentic, like mine, $300 all day long.

<< Ok, what am I missing with regards to the "small personal effect" on Eddie's sig? >>

I requested a smaller signature but I guess since I was like a kid on X-Mas morning, he wanted to be the center piece. I'll put it this way, after he signed mine, we talked for about another 10 minutes

Keep in mind that I bled Oiler blue and some of my earliest memories were at the Dome on Sunday mornings. He's only a year older than I, so there's 6-degrees of seperation among some friends and business associates.

He's one of the good guys, that's for sure

stown · June 3, 2007 6:59AM

The Heisman is coming along well. Got Rozier and Ware to fill in next to Eddie for the H-Town connection

Finishing up with Ward and the OU guys, which were placed at the back since OU sux

And now they will collect dust until the next show (wishes for a bunch of Heisman winners and HOFers).

CDsNuts · June 3, 2007 7:10AM

Troy Smith got drafted by the Ravens. I'll let you know if he moves in next door to me.

Lee

elsnorto · June 3, 2007 7:43AM

Stown, what was your impression of Billy Simms? Is he a good signer and interacts with fans or did he seem to be there simply for the green? I was glad to hear Eddie was so cool, he always struck me as a class act. It was a shame his career ended up as it did, a victim of the salary cap and off to Dallas for an uneventful campaign. The guy deserves more love from the hobby and football fans than I feel he has gotten, at least in a long time.

Snorto~

CDsNuts · June 3, 2007 7:51AM

Eddie George and Terrell Davis were the prototype for the "new style" of running back when they had success in the late 90s. They were the first to have great success running "tall", but with amazing power and great speed. Nowadays, teams go with the 2 running back system, where one is typically small and fast and another is big and powerful. There was no need with these guys because they had it both. Although, I guess having a good backfield partner would've extended their careers a few years.

I always liked watching Eddie. There was a time when his 1996 Topps Chrome RC was the hottest modern RC, going for around $90. Him and McNair were absolute warriors. Too bad they couldn't get much help on defense.

Lee

onlyanumber · June 3, 2007 8:07AM

Watching Eddie George run against the Ravens was one of the greatest things you could ever see. Sure, he never had any really big games against them, but you knew he earned every one of those yards he rushed for.

stown · June 3, 2007 8:18AM

<< Stown, what was your impression of Billy Simms? Is he a good signer and interacts with fans or did he seem to be there simply for the green? I was glad to hear Eddie was so cool, he always struck me as a class act. It was a shame his career ended up as it did, a victim of the salary cap and off to Dallas for an uneventful campaign. The guy deserves more love from the hobby and football fans than I feel he has gotten, at least in a long time.

Snorto~ >>

Billy was the first and he was a really cool guy. Talked with the fans, shook hands, and took a ton of pictures. Jason just signed while collecting a check and Owens was somewhere inbetween (but leaning more towards Billy's attitude).

Eddie said he was miserable in Dallas... What's sad is that he's only 34 and could have been productive in the past 3 years. He use to be a big, thick, cut dude and now, just a shell of his former self. Don't get me wrong, he could still kick my arse without blinking but you can just tell his mass is all but gone.

He's my boy and I hope he makes it to the HOF one day. Very underrated and in a boring system. He deserved more

elsnorto · June 3, 2007 8:33AM

<< Eddie George and Terrell Davis were the prototype for the "new style" of running back when they had success in the late 90s. They were the first to have great success running "tall", but with amazing power and great speed. Nowadays, teams go with the 2 running back system, where one is typically small and fast and another is big and powerful. There was no need with these guys because they had it both. Although, I guess having a good backfield partner would've extended their careers a few years.

I always liked watching Eddie. There was a time when his 1996 Topps Chrome RC was the hottest modern RC, going for around $90. Him and McNair were absolute warriors. Too bad they couldn't get much help on defense.

Lee >>

Lee, wasn't it, at least in part, interest in Eddie's rookies that drove the Topps Chrome craze of the late 90s? I remember 1996 Topps Chrome came and went with about as much fanfare as their Gilt Edge or Laser offerings, then they suddenly blew up for some reason. Now that I think about it, that may have been due to the realization that the Chrome basketball had such limited production compared to other brands of the time and its popularity spilled over into other sports as a result. Anyone have a better recollection of how Topps Chrome went from zero to hero (and, some would argue, back to zero again)?

Stown, it is always cool to learn great players are great guys too. I know this factor influences my collection and I am sure I am not alone in that.

Snorto~

CDsNuts · June 3, 2007 8:44AM

If I recall, in 97-98 people realized that 96 Topps chrome basketball was limited and Kobe was on fire. People then in turn realized that 96 Chrome football was just as limited, so the George went up, along with Keyshawn, Biakabutuka, and a few others of guys that were starting at that point (Marvin Harrison didn't catch on til much later). I actually think 96 Chrome football might have a smaller print run than basketball, but modern basketball always generates more interest, except maybe in 98 (Manning, Moss, etc...).

Lee

stown · January 21, 2008 8:12AM

I would have posted these yesterday but forgot my camera at the office.

D'oh!

jimq112 · January 21, 2008 9:25AM

Beautiful projects, thanks for sharing them!

Bearkat21 · January 21, 2008 9:43AM

Stown,

I like the helmet. I kind of wish I would have combined my Heismans from the start. I have seven on a ball, 2 on SI's, and the rest on helmets. THe Texas Helmet has Earl and Ricky. The Ohio State has Howard Cassidy and Archie Grffin and I have Herchel on a Georgia helmet
Unfortunatly I have missed the last two Tri Stars to add to my collection. Hopefully the June Show will have a few Heisman guys.

Here is what I have:

chb · January 23, 2008 5:13AM

That HOF helmet is amazing. I think I just wet myself a little.

baseballfan · January 23, 2008 11:33PM

great helmets!!!

Autographed Helmets Journey

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