Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

[Vikingshelmetguy]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Not that the inscription or signature are overly attractive, but I would leave them alone. That is to say that they are in Lynn Thomas' hand and not somebody else adding the information later.

The only thing I would do is try to find appropriate clips and attach the facemask better. That keeps the piece as original as possible.

I agree: While the signature on that helmet looks admittedly crude (and I personally am not a huge fan of signatures on helmets), I'd keep the signature on there (assuming it is the actual player's signature). It's best not to modify or mess with an old helmet. Keep it fully intact, with all of it's dirt, grime, age, blemishes and game wear. You risk damaging the helmet by using solvents to remove the signature ink. Also, a signed helmet often increases the value and it provenance: It helps to prove the helmet came from the player, and it provides verification that the player himself confirms that the helmet was worn by him and used in a Super Bowl game. Helmets worn in a Super Bowl seem to sky rocket in monetary value and historic value as Super Bowl games are so historic and iconic, and helmets worn in Super Bowl games are so rare, scarce and limited. Leave the helmet just as it is. Like Mbreive suggests, at most perhaps you could put some clips on to properly secure the mask onto the helmet. But, otherwise, keep the helmet as intact and original as possible if you can.

[808jerseys]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

IMO, this helmet is from the 80's.
" CORRECT "=
Bladder , padding & nose guard
Face mask & screws
Decals (size & colors)
49er gold paint (special mix to get that color)
The aging of the helmet all together is consistent , no changed parts.

Note: (I have used this method) You can apply car polish to the penmanship to remove the top layer of ink. Dab polish over only inked area , wait a few minutes then swirl polish lightly.

Best of luck!

Yes for sure keeping helmet original is the way to go. That's why I mentioned just removing the "Top layer" of the penmanship . It is traced over the original inscription.
- I always test an area that will not detract from the total overall look.
You did good on your addition to your collection !

[mbrieve]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Yes for sure keeping helmet original is the way to go. That's why I mentioned just removing the "Top layer" of the penmanship . It is traced over the original inscription.
- I always test an area that will not detract from the total overall look.
You did good on your addition to your collection !

Oh, didn't realize it was traced...maybe document everything with photos. If you can remove the tracing carefully, go for it.

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Thanks for your opinions and if anybody else wants to give their opinion I want to hear it.They have some vintage plastic helmet clips in a gold color like they wore in 1982 on ebay for $30,so it would look real good on it.I want to thank you again for your opinion & anyone else who wants to feel to let me know.I am new & this site is great for us collectors.Thanks,Brandon

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Not that the inscription or signature are overly attractive, but I would leave them alone. That is to say that they are in Lynn Thomas' hand and not somebody else adding the information later.

The only thing I would do is try to find appropriate clips and attach the facemask better. That keeps the piece as original as possible.

They have some vintage plastic clips on ebay that would be perfect & in a gold-tan color.No clear rubber ones is going on this helmet

[tom1315]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

"helmet lover," congrats on what sounds like a very nice find. As for the clips send an email or call Curtis at Helmet Hut. A super guy and extremely knowledgeable - he can make certain you get the correct clips and maybe you might want him to attach them. For a helmet of this calibre I'd want his guidance.

He helped me with a 1990 Georgia Tech gamer I had concerns about and was patient and very helpful.

Tom

Go Pack! NC State 1981 graduate

PS - I would recommend not do anything to the signature or the 'tracing' referenced. Leave as is...

[Vikingshelmetguy]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

They have some vintage plastic clips on ebay that would be perfect & in a gold-tan color.No clear rubber ones is going on this helmet

Helmet Lover: I agree with Tom1315. You should get your mask clips from Curtis at Helmet Hut. He will tell you what clips are appropriate for your helmet. You can send your helmet to him and he will put the mask and clips on for you. You mentioned you'd like to put "gold-tan colored" mask clips on your 49er's helmet. I don't think those would be the correct clips. Check out the 1982 Superbowl photo of Joe Montana that I posted earlier in this thread. You'll notice his mask has vintage grey colored mask clips. Your helmet should probably have vintage grey mask clips too. I hope this helps!

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Thanks Viking,I'm about to actually watch the 1982 Super Bowl.I will see what color they had & will get them from helmet hut.Thanks for all you guys help & opinions,and if anyone wants to put in their 2 cents,lets hear it.I actually got it today & it looks great!!! In the bright Alabama sun it is very shiny gold.Indoors it has a green hue gold tint to it.I hear that is how REAL 49ers helmets are supposed to look.The logo stickers & red and white stripes look 30 years old.It does have warning stickers on the inside.I did some looking & Lynn Thomas sold his Super Bowl ring a few years ago

[Jacuzzi]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

helmet lover,

My apologies for not seeing your email to me sooner. The helmet color looks correct. You can really see the color difference when it is next to another hold colored helmet like the Saints. I almost exclusively collect 80's Bike helmets and everything looks correct on this one. The facemask screws are vintage however most of the 49ers helmets from the mid 80s have hold colored slotted screws. I'm not sure when the new equipment manager brought them in but a quick search if the forum for facemask screws may show the answer? Congrats on the nice pickup. I was wondering who got it!

[Jacuzzi]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

helmet lover,

My apologies for not seeing your email to me sooner. The helmet color looks correct. You can really see the color difference when it is next to another hold colored helmet like the Saints. I almost exclusively collect 80's Bike helmets and everything looks correct on this one. The facemask screws are vintage however most of the 49ers helmets from the mid 80s have hold colored slotted screws. I'm not sure when the new equipment manager brought them in but a quick search if the forum for facemask screws may show the answer? Congrats on the nice pickup. I was wondering who got it!

Hold = Gold. Stupid spell check!

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Thanks,I heard that equipment manager Bronco something got there in 84,so mine would have been Chico's.There was a guy on here that goes by coffebean joe and talked like he knew 49ers personel helmet reconditioners personally from the 80's,but he doesn't take messages on here.I wish I could find Lynn Thomas & talk to him.Should not be impossible.I am from Alabama & he is from neighbor state Mississippi Somebody out there knows where he is

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Hold = Gold. Stupid spell check!

Hi Jacuzzi,I found a serial number inside this Bike helmet.It is 120821.Can you put a year with this number?

[solarlottry]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Hi "helmet-lover". I know coffeebeanjoe and can get a message to him if you need to. Please let me know.

I think the helmet looks good as the equipment manager would paint a red or green dot on the inside just as this helmet has.

Paul

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Hi "helmet-lover". I know coffeebeanjoe and can get a message to him if you need to. Please let me know.

I think the helmet looks good as the equipment manager would paint a red or green dot on the inside just as this helmet has.

Paul

Thanks solarlottry,I would be grateful if you would contact coffeebeanjoe & give me back his opinion.He is has very valuable knowledge about 49ers helmets as you know.Tell him this is one before Bronco got there in 85,so no gold screws on mine.Thanks,Brandon

[helmet lover]

Re: Is this a real 49ers early 80's GU helmet?Opinions please

Thanks solarlottry,I would be grateful if you would contact coffeebeanjoe & give me back his opinion.He is has very valuable knowledge about 49ers helmets as you know.Tell him this is one before Bronco got there in 85,so no gold screws on mine.Thanks,Brandon

And like I said about the gold color of this helmet.Gold as it gets in the bright Alabama sun,green dark gold indoors.Thanks again