Old Detroit Lions Helmet - Need Help

[joetiger83]

I only collect baseball items but took a chance on this helmet that a friend of mine who does estate sales came across. I have no idea if its game used or store bought, what era it is from, what its worth if anything? If its not legit I thought it would at least look cool on a shelf somewhere. I tried to take pictures of any stampings or markings on the helmet to help identify it. Any help would be appreciated!

[Vikingshelmetguy]

I am a collector of Minnesota Vikings game used helmets, so I don't know all the nuances and specifics of Detroit Lions game used helmets. But based on my general knowledge and awareness of NFL game used helmets, and from other old Lions suspension helmets I have seen, this helmet looks like a very real and legitimate Detroit Lions game worn suspension helmet, probably from the early 1960's. It is a very old, rare and desireable Riddell RK helmet, with a single bar mask. I would guess that this helmet is worth at least $1000 or more. I would strongly recommend that you contact Curtis at the vintage NFL helmet website www.helmethut.com to get an expert opinion on what you have here. Whatever you do, do not alter this helmet, and do not remove any of the interior stickers and do not remove the facemask. Leave the helmet intact and as is and get an estimate from HelmetHut (let me know if you'd like me to contact Helmet Hut as I know Curtis). Don't let anyone try to buy this helmet from you for cheap. It is worth a lot I think. This appears to be a stunning example of an early 60's Detroit Lions helmet. I found a photo of a Detroit Lions player (Jim Ninowski) from that era of 1960-1961 (see attached):

[PAC]

I think you've got yourself a 100% genuine late-50s to early-60s game used Detroit Lions helmet there. Jackpot!

Here's one that's almost identical (albeit in better condition):
http://www.helmethut.com/cogdill.html

So...how much did you pay for it? I'm gonna guess 50 bucks.

[joetiger83]

Thanks for the replies and the information! It is a very cool item and it found itself a new home where it will be appreciated this afternoon when I sold it to another GUU member. The guy who bought it from me seems like a good guy and was excited to purchase the helmet for his collection.

I didn't pay much for the helmet as you already guessed and sold it for quite a bit more than I paid for it. I was honest with the buyer in this regard. I did call the seller I bought it off of and told him that I will pay him more than twice what he was originally asking for it. He is a friend of mine and will hopefully keep me in mind whenever he runs across an item like this in the future.

Thanks again to the buyer and to all the responses to my post. Happy Hunting!