Kearney Bengals Helmet

[NEFAN]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-74-TIM-KEARNEY-CINCINNATI-BENGALS-GAME-WORN-HELMET-/281239184632?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417b2964f8

Thoughts on this helmet including the price?

[JDubbs73]

I couldn't find many photos of Kearney, only the one below (1974) which shows a different facemask:

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/linebacker-tim-kearney-of-the-cincinnati-bengals-lines-up-news-photo/80333037

The style does match others worn during the period:

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/wide-receiver-charlie-joiner-of-the-cincinnati-bengals-news-photo/83118492

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/safety-bob-jones-of-the-cincinnati-bengals-drops-back-in-news-photo/80332833

I would ask about the date stamp inside the shell. The facemask could have easily been replaced. The shell looks like it would accommodate the style he wore. Price seems reasonable if it all checks out.

My two cents...

[dplettn]

In my experience with Bengal items from that era, the price may be ambitious. Admittedly, I don't have an affinity for the particular player though.

Good luck.

[Phil316]

Quick observation is it normal for the black pen to look that vibrant for a 1970's game used helmet ?

[yosef777]

Helmet is definitley of the era as the time clock and early "HA 91 / MicroFit" padding indicates.
As previously mentioned the helmet does have additional drill holes (which would accomodate the old, Schutt masks like the OPO, NOPO, etc. The mask on the helmet is NOT a pro model, Riddell's BD-9. Instead the mask looks like one from those childrens helmets made by Rawlings from the same era.
I think the price is about right especially if you can find some photos matching player with that particular model.