Sports Jerseys Experts

[ericsells75]

Are there any Sports Jerseys Experts selling on eBay?

I ask because of a specific situation. I found a beautiful jersey when thrifting this past week and I showed it to a friend who said, I think it's counterfeit. So, I did some research and had no idea how  big a market there is for that. So there are a couple of things I want to be very clear about

1 - Despite my ignorance on the subject I have NO intention of listing anything that even has a chance of being a fake. Period. 

2 - How do I actually tell if it is a counterfeit or not? I've researched a few websites and am confused. The jersey is of excellent quality but it does have one small issue that has given me a moment of doubt. I can't seem to get a straight answer from my own research so does anyone on these boards have some knowledge on the subject? I'd love to have a private chat with you. 

3 - I'm guessing it's a touchy subject to even just bring up but I don't know where else to turn. 

I mean luckily it's my favourite team so worst case scenario I just keep for myself but I'd hate to pass on a sale if it's legit. 

That said I think my brief venture into jerseys will end with the two I picked up this week 🙂

[esclyons]

yes unfortunately the overseas market, fakes everything.. As far as sport's jerseys they even fake the tags, the best way is to check the stitching, on the letters and the logo's..  it is very sloppy, with lots of extra strings usually hanging out of it..

And i would bet there is over 1,000 fakes for every real jersey. and probably worse than that.

[ericsells75]

I just wanted to add a point of clarification - the jersey I have that am asking about is a Maple Leafs Jersey. I also picked up a Manning practice mesh jersey that is definitely authentic that I am going to list. Just didn't want the thought to be I listed a jersey I was still questioning 🙂

Trying to be 100% rule follower 🙂

[ilikehockeyjerseys]

If you upload pictures in this thread of the front, back, neck tag, fight strap (if applicable) , I can probably tell you with reasonable certainty whether it is counterfeit or not. 

[ericsells75]

That would be awesome, thanks!

Here are some pics. 

[ericsells75]

2 more

[ilikehockeyjerseys · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, I can tell you with absolute certainty that it is counterfeit.

Maybe you'd be able to exchange it where you picked it up.

Keep in mind, I'm a big enough dork that I can tell right away - but if you need something you can compare it to, here is a very similar Leafs jersey to the model yours is a knock off of: https://www.ebay.com/itm/112628297396

Compare the fight straps, that is the easiest thing to tell.

If you know nothing about jerseys, one way to quickly spot a modern day knockoff is the embroidery on the Reebok or Adidas logo. The places that manufacture knockoffs don't have access to high quality machines, so there will usually be a thread linking each letter of R E E B OK or linking different parts of the Reebok logo (if it is the swoosh logo).

If you see a tag that says 7187a, very good chance it is a knockoff. It is a legitimate product number for Reebok Edge jerseys, but given the context of the situation (finding a jersey at a thrift store) it is INCREDIBLY unlikely for you to find a Reebok Edge jersey at a thrift store. Reebok Edge Authentic jerseys weren't distributed very well over the lifetime of the product. Most stores stocked Reebok Premier (the replica line). Don't mistake this as me saying, if it doesn't have a 7187a tag, that it isn't a knockoff....but it's something you can try to avoid that will probably steer you in the right direction most of the time when thrifting.

I find the occasional jerseys at thrift stores as well, but I think it is a category that isn't advisable to go into if you don't have the hobby knowledge. There are way too many knockoffs, and most thrift stores don't know the difference, so they put them out regardless. A lot of thrift stores also price them very high since it is seen as a bit of a luxury item (relatively speaking), so you've got to sort of know what you're looking at. It is only something I'm comfortable doing because I've collected jerseys for a very long time, and am extremely confident in my ability to spot a counterfeit jersey and pass on it.

[ericsells75]

Thanks for the feedback. I took a shot at it and worse case scenario is/was that I'll just keep it for myself as a Leafs fan and wear it on Saturday Night's 🙂 I'm glad I asked, I went down a real rabbit hole trying to investigate. I would have absolutely re-sold it and probably gotten negative feedback as a result. Also it didn't cost enough to try and exchange / return vs keeping it for myself. 

I think I will bow out of the jersey category after my Manning shirt/practice jersey.