I have written on a number of instances about the value of imagery analysis when it comes to looking at items. The commonly used phrase in the hobby has become "photo match." On page 15 of the most recent America Memorbillia cataloge is lot # 46, a Paul Horning 1964-1966 Game Worn Packers Suspension Helmet. With this description come two photos titled as "Match Print."
I'm not sure if the intent is to show examples or to say the helemt being offered is the one pictured? If it is the later, I would ask folks to draw their attention to pictures showing the back of the helmet. The helmet being offered has bolts above and below the #5. The helmet show in the B&W has no bolt above the #5 and has three bolts below the number #5
Like I said, I am not sure what the intent of the photos was and I am by no means an expert of football helmets, but the helmet being offered does not seem the "match" the one in the picture.
Dave-
After I reviewed the helmet and photo in the catalog, I thought I missing something. They show a photo of Hornung during play, and display it next to the helmet being offered in their auction with the caption "MATCH PRINT". The photo and the helmet do not match, thus, what's the point American Memorabilia is trying to make? And Same thing with the Roberto Clemente hat.
Maybe they should simply indicate "similar style as shown in photo" and take this no further.
Dave and other board members.
I can totally see where you had issues with the the Hornung helmet "Match Photo" notation. I am not sure if the top bolt did not show up on the photo or what the reason was. However, on our web site we have an update with Paul on the side lines and his helmet on the ground. The photo, in my opinion, is a match and shows both bolts and the paint loss in the stripes. If anyone has any other questions about the helmet, please call me at 1-800-430-0667.
chris
Also, Dave...
I just got off the phone with Lou and he told me that the photo in our catalog was fine for the simple fact that EVERY suspension helmet has the bolt above the number. That is the bolt that holds a column of padding in place.
The bolt just didn't show up in our catalog. We will be providing better photos online very soon.
Chris has said the other photos will show the top bolt. Will be interesting to see what the status is of what appear to me to be bolts to left and right of the one below the #5 in the picture as well.
Another thing to look for in any picture like this is finding a point of reference to where the "G" appears in relation to the bolts on the side of the helmet.
The pictures from the front are not great examples as they show opposite sides of the helmet. If you look at the back shot, the bolt on the right side to the rear of the "G" is outside of the decal. The one in the picture appears within the arch. This is a round object, and even in a flat photograph, that would not alter realitive alignment. The way you can check this is look in both the color helmet shot and the B&W. Notice the alignment of both of the bolts in a veritical position. Looking even closer, you can also gauge the alignment of the upper rear bolt to its relative position the "G" decal. In the color photo, that bolt is within the lower half of that crest pattern...the B&W phot has this bolt aligned to the upper half of the decal as indicated by its placement relative to the arch.
