Any other leather football helmet collectors here?

BBN

I love the things, but they take up alot of space so my collection is limited to only about 7 examples.

duner

I just started testing the waters on leather helmets.....but there seems to be a lot of nuances and they're too pricey to just start throwing money at. i'm sure interested in others' experiences with them, as i'd really like to pick a vintage one up over the next couple months.

BBN

Most of the helmets that have wool padding are kids helmets. I avoid those. Not much collectable value in them. I really like the 8-panel helmets. The ones that look like a wagon wheel pattern on top. Yeah, granted you'll have to spend over $100 for one helmet and sometimes as much as $500 for a never been used, but it's worth it if you reall enjoy them. About two years ago I won an eight panel Wilson helmet that's never been used. I paid $450 to win the auction, but it was worth having a mint example of one of the nicest helmets ever made in the 1930's. Look for "Draper & Maynard", "Wilson", "Spalding", "Stall & Dean" or "Nokona" brands. Avoid Hutch brand as Hutch usually is a kid's helmet. The old "dog ear" helmets all have wool padding, but I'd get one of those if you get a chance. Those usually run $200-$300 on ebay. Nice piece to have and they were made before 1920. Here's some nice ones I saw on ebay that would be good helmets to go after:


A spalding. The best I saw on ebay tonight!

another

Here's one from around 1920

This looks like a Wilson. I don't know, but a nice eight panel helmet

BBN

another nice one. Looks like another Wilson

wolfbear

BBN - your links don't work because you've got the http:// part twice in each of them.

You need to go back and edit out one http:// from each ...

Stone193

BBN
Really good info - I don't collect them but have you ever looked at Bob McCann's auctions in SCD? The always have some really sharp vintage helmets and I would imagine he would be a good source for questions to stuff. What do you think?
Mike

BBN

Sorry about the mistakes. I keep editing out those http:// but when the thread comes back they're back on the page. Sorry. I don't know what else to do.

BBN

<< <i>BBN
Really good info - I don't collect them but have you ever looked at Bob McCann's auctions in SCD? The always have some really sharp vintage helmets and I would imagine he would be a good source for questions to stuff. What do you think?
Mike >>



Hey, I'm not familiar with him. Do you have a link? I'm sure if he deals in them he knows his helmets.

Stone193

BBN
He doesn't give an ebay or internet link only an email address - probably does the old fashioned phone in auctions - pretty analog! I'll check and get back to you.
Mike

Link:
Link #2:
Link #3:

BBN

Thanks brother!

Gemmy10

Interesting as I used to work next door to the old Winchester Gun factory in New Haven, CT:



LEATHER WINCHESTER DOG EAR FOOTBALL HELMET 1923 GUN

Also:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3662252426&category=21222

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3662252426&category=21222

Stone193

Thanx Gemmy - I got mixed up where I was at in the order
Mike
Those helmets are interesting and they would eat up a lot of space - I still haven't figured out how to display hartlands that would look good and my latest focus of bats.

BBN

Stone, Thanks for fixing those links for me.

Gemmy, I was actually watching that auction with the equipment. No way would my wife let me drop that much $$$ but I was curious to see how high it would go. The fact that the ball is still holding air is amazing!!! I have an old football from around 1900, but the bladder and stitching was missing so I stuffed it with cotton and used leather strings to restitch it and put on display.

My wife and I are getting ready to turn our garage into a family room and she said she had no problem with me taking a full wall. The wall is 21' long so it's game on!!! All of my football memorabilia will be going out there. I can't wait!!!

Gemmy10

BBN,

I am not an old helmet collector but they are very neat.

Stone193

BBN
Hey we're in the same boat - I have this small den/office in the front of the house - asked my wife if I could have the room - she was OK with it - so out comes the junk - I've heard some guys talking about getting used display stuff - one guy from a shop that went out of business - I'm thinkin of checking the newspapers and also the yellow pages for a company downtown that deals with this stuff - might not hurt to check with a big dept. store and see if they are renovating any areas. Just a thought.
Mike