Kenny Lofton Indians Helmet on Ebay....

[gannonknight85]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cleveland-Indians-game-used-worn-Kenny-Lofton-Helmet_W0QQitemZ200398201732QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea8a9e384

I have a problem with this helemt and was trying to see what you guys thought....
After a few e-mails to the seller, I have found out that the date dial says 98, there is no COA, and the seller obtained the item from a "memorabilia trade, with a former equipment manager", (We've never heard that before...)
The first problem with the helmet is the numbering on the back of the helmet, from what I have found on getty the style and placement, as well as color of the number is wrong. The second problem is that there is no "purchased from the Cleveland Indians" stamp on the inside and most if not all the helmets that I have seen in the modern era have this stamp.
Other then that the helmet does have all the other characteristics that I am familiar with as far as game used helmets...
I know there are a few helmet guys on here as well as Indians collectors who might have a take on this

Thanks in advance for responses

[dcgreg25]

Gannon, you pretty much hit the nail on the head....never seen the blue number on the helmet before, no stamp, no COA and also the wrong size. I have some Lofton hats and a helmet - all size 7.

Here are a couple getty pics of the batting helmets from that time period with Justice from 1998 and Alomar from 1999. As you can see they transitioned from white numbers to red between the two years.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm233/gregguy25/JusticeHelmet.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm233/gregguy25/AlomarHelmet.jpg