There are many different
signs of wear that you will find on a game worn jersey. Understanding game
wear is perhaps the most important aspect in authenticating a jersey. Again,
remember to do your homework. If you can find out
the year of the jersey and how many games the player played, that will help in
assessing the amount of wear on a jersey.
Wear is not just what happens on the
ice but off. The jerseys will get washed and the jerseys will show signs of this.
Below is a list of some types of wear you will find in a game jersey.
| Black Marks – You
will find black marks on jerseys. Mostly from the tape on opposing players sticks.
These marks can be very useful when trying to photo match a jersey. The first
large stick mark is from a Lindros jersey which is photo matched. The last is
from a Lowe Oilers jersey photo matched to him holding the Stanley Cup in 87-88. |
 
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| Board Paint – The
boards in arenas have paint on them from the boarder to the advertising. When
players hit the boards the friction can cause some paint marks to be left on
the jersey. The first photo here is of a Montreal jersey. This red paint is often
found on their home jerseys. |
 
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| Goal Post Paint – Red
paint from the goal posts can end up on a players jersey, especially a goaltender. |
 
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| Board Burns – These
usually occur from the friction of a player going into the boards. The fabric
of the jersey actually melts to varying degrees. |
 
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| Tears & Holes – Jerseys can
get tears and holes. This can occur from regular game play or from fights or
just clutching and grabbing during a skirmish. |
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| Repairs – When
a jersey gets a hole or tear they are sometimes repaired by the team, by sewing
them up. One of the tools a authenticator will use is knowing how different teams
repair jerseys. The first jersey shows a typical circular Montreal repair. The
last a typical 80's Flyers repair with thick thread. |
 
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| Stains – The
jerseys can show signs of sweat, maybe blood that can stain a jersey. |
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| Rust and Salt – Most
fight straps have metal buttons. These can develop salt deposits from players
sweat. They can also rust from sweat or washing. |
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Pilling – Some
jersey materials can show pilling on the inside or outside of a jersey. Pilling
is when friction from a stick, equipment, causes the jersey to develop little
pilled balls of the jersey material. You usually find this on the inside of the
jersey, in the arms, back of the neck, or collar. On the outside you will see
this on the cuffs, neck.
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Fraying – This
happens to the numbers, name, and crest. When the threads start to fray.
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| Washing – Jerseys will
show some signs of washing. Most notably the numbers will not be as stiff. Tags
in the jersey will also be softer. Sometimes the color will bleed. The best place
to find this is the possible discoloration of the fight strap. |
 
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