American Football Memorabilia | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Sports fans the world over have been collecting American football memorabilia for many decades . Although it is an all-American sport, it is also played here in the UK where there are well-established American football teams such as the Colchester Gladiators, Clyde Valley American Football Club, London Blitz American Football Club and more. As American football players are international celebrities in their own right, there is an entire industry of merchandise and memorabilia that surrounds the sport.

Indisputably, American football is one of the most widely- collected of all sports, with trading cards being the most popular collectible. Trading cards, like other sports cards, were printed by corporations, particularly confectionery companies, and distributed with their products as a means of promoting the sales of their sweets and chocolate products. Rare trading cards can sell for a small fortune.

Different Categories of American Football Memorabilia
Collectors are interested in both vintage as well as contemporary football memorabilia. The list below may give you an idea of just some of the more popular pieces of memorabilia that collectors and buyers are on the look-out for:

American Bowl Original Programmes
Autographed Footballs
Life-size Cardboard Cut-Outs of famous players
Autographed Jerseys
Autographed Helmets
Signed and Framed Presentations and Photographs
Signed Football Boots
Prints and Posters
Trading Cards
Vintage Pendants
Official Annuals
Pins and Badges
Toy Figures of famous players
Stickers
Caps
Ties

Where to look for American Football Memorabilia
You may be a professional buyer purchasing memorabilia as part of your business. Or you may be an enthusiastic collector looking to enhance your collection of American football memorabilia. Whatever your reasons, here are some ideas as to where you might go to find such collectibles:

Auctions
Specialist online auction websites are probably the most useful place to start if you are looking for American football memorabilia. There are numerous websites dedicated to the selling of such memorabilia. Specialist auctioneers hold online auctions as well as auctions in public places in the UK and abroad. These auction houses will also help you if you need advice and valuations done on any of your sporting collectibles. Participating in an auction can be a fun and rewarding experience, if you enjoy the process of bidding. You can find details of sporting memorabilia auctions on the websites. There may also be a few items of American football memorabilia on offer in a general auction. Dates and times for auctions in your area will generally be advertised in your local newspaper. Of course, the best known auction site to visit if you are looking for American football memorabilia is probably eBay.

Specialist Websites
There are many internet businesses which offer an incredible range of American football memorabilia. Just like shopping in a traditional retail shop, you can log on, browse and purchase any item that you can afford. The best thing about this form of shopping is that you can buy memorabilia from any part of the world. However, be prepared to pay the additional shipping costs if your purchase is coming from overseas. When you shop online, check the online retailer's refund and returns policy. If the item is being shipped from abroad, make sure there is appropriate insurance to cover any damage or loss.

Sporting Memorabilia Shows or Collectors Fairs
There are a few specialist sporting memorabilia shows or collectors fairs with stalls selling American football memorabilia. If you are a serious collector or buyer, these events are interesting places to visit. You can spend time browsing through all sorts of memorabilia at the same time as mixing with other enthusiasts who share your passion. It is a great place if you are searching for a specific item of memorabilia as there is a wealth of knowledge and expertise around you.

American Football Collectors' Clubs
Collectors Clubs are fantastic places to indulge in your particular hobby of collecting American football memorabilia. The majority of these clubs exist online. They provide an important community for all collectors , giving them an opportunity to come together to discuss topics and share ideas. Many collectors clubs have online magazines and newsletters, message boards and even a collector's shop where you can buy and sell items, bookshops and more.

Publications and Websites
Here is a small selection of magazines, both online and printed, that may carry advertisements selling American Football memorabilia. There are many other titles available which you can find by using the search engines.

American Football Monthly
Pro Football Weekly
NFL Magazine

Another possibility is to browse through the British American Football League (BAFL) website and the websites of the more popular American Football Clubs in the UK . These websites may have useful links to other sites which specialise in American football memorabilia.

Classifieds
You may be lucky and stumble upon unique pieces of sporting memorabilia simply by browsing through the listings here at Classifieds and in the printed and online versions of classifieds and directories.

How to Buy American Football Memorabilia Safely
Here are some tips to make sure you have a positive and safe buying experience:

Many American football memorabilia will be vintage pieces. Be prepared that these items will probably not be in perfect condition. Read the description of the product carefully before you ahead with the purchase.
If the items are fragile or breakable, make sure they are not damaged by the process of delivery.
If the object is large or bulky, make sure you have the means to organise its safe collection.

Proof of Authenticity of Signed Items
For many collectors, authenticity is of paramount importance when purchasing any kind of signed American football memorabilia. If possible, make it a point to obtain a Certificate of Authenticity before you proceed with your investment. Authentic items may carry information detailing the date, time and location where the signing took place. Authentic items are sold by trusted suppliers who usually have direct access to the American football players concerned, and who are normally present at the majority of the signings. Each individual signed item should be provided with a serial number -- this is designed for security and insurance purposes and further guarantees authenticity.

There are a number of stars who are more desirable than others. Further to this, there is always speculation from investors over stars who may be about to pass away. A good example of this was when George Best passed away, his signed items quadrupled in value for the top end items. The same can be said for Muhammad Ali who will stop signing this year due to his age and health.