AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a royal blue and white hockey jersey, identified as a Toronto Maple Leafs replica or authentic team jersey. It features the name 'VAIVE' heat-pressed or stitched onto a nameplate on the back, above a large white number '22'. The most significant feature is a blue ink or marker autograph located on the bottom curve of the first '2' in the number 22. The signature is attributed to Rick Vaive, who famously wore #22 for the Maple Leafs in the 1980s and was the first player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season. The jersey appears to be made of modern breathable polyester mesh, often referred to as 'Air-Knit' material. The construction includes a white yoke or shoulder section which is typical of various Leafs jersey iterations from the late 20th century to modern retro designs. In terms of condition, the jersey shows some light wrinkling from storage but no immediate signs of heavy wear, staining, or fabric tears. The autograph appears clear and vibrant without significant fading, though it is not accompanied by a visible Certificate of Authenticity (COA) in this frame. The numbering and lettering style is consistent with the team's mid-1980s aesthetic, often replicated for vintage-style fan apparel.

Based on my visual examination of this Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, signed by Rick Vaive, I place the fair market value in the range of $100 to $200. The jersey itself appears to be a replica or vintage-style fan apparel rather than a game-worn artifact, evidenced by the modern 'Air-Knit' polyester construction and standard heat-pressed or stitched customization typical of retail versions. The condition is very good, with no evident staining or tears, which preserves its display value. The signature, located on the number '2', is executed in blue marker and presents well with strong contrast against the white fabric. Rick Vaive holds a significant place in Leafs history as the franchise's first 50-goal scorer, maintaining steady demand among Toronto collectors. However, his signature is not exceptionally rare, as he is an active signer at alumni events. The primary factor limiting the value is the lack of a visible Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a major authentication house (e.g., PSA/DNA, JSA, or the team itself). Without this provenance, the item is sold on the strength of the visual match to known examples of Vaive's autograph alone. To achieve a higher valuation, a physical inspection would be required to verify the ink flow and age, and ultimately, third-party authentication would likely increase the value by $50-$75. Currently, it is valued as an undecorated replica jersey plus the cost of a standard unauthenticated signing fee.