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Transitional 1950s Rawlings A30 Leather Football Helmet - 8 Spoke Suspension
$175.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
Title: Vintage 1950s Rawlings A30 Leather Football Helmet – Transitional Era with Face Mask
Item Overview:
Up for sale is a fantastic piece of mid-century gridiron history. This is a Rawlings Model A30 leather-covered suspension helmet, likely dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s. This specific helmet is a "transitional" model, featuring a period-correct leather shell that was retrofitted with a plastic face mask and a Riddell chin strap in the late 1950s or early 1960s to meet evolving safety standards.
Shell Details:
• Manufacturer: Rawlings (Stamped "Rawlings" and "A 30" on the rear).
• Material: Heavy-duty leather with factory white paint.
• Size: Stamped 7 1/8.
• Condition: The white paint shows beautiful, authentic "crazing" (fine cracking) consistent with age. There are minor scuffs and surface wear from game use, adding to its character.
Interior & Suspension:
• Design: Classic 8-spoke leather suspension system. The leather webbing is intact but shows wear from age.
• Padding: The original orange foam crown padding has crystallized/deteriorated over time (common for this era), with some residue present in the center.
Hardware & Add-ons:
• Face Mask: Plastic BD-9 style mask, likely added in the late 50s.
• Chin Strap: Features a vintage Riddell chin strap with U.S. Patent 2867812.
• Ear Holes: Feature the signature Rawlings reinforced circular stitching.
Collector's Note:
This A30 model was the high-end "Airlight" version of Rawlings' leather line. It is a rare find for collectors of vintage sports equipment, specifically those interested in the era when football transitioned from leatherheads to plastic shells.
Please see all high-definition photos for exact condition. Sold as a historical collectible only; not intended for modern athletic use.
Item Overview:
Up for sale is a fantastic piece of mid-century gridiron history. This is a Rawlings Model A30 leather-covered suspension helmet, likely dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s. This specific helmet is a "transitional" model, featuring a period-correct leather shell that was retrofitted with a plastic face mask and a Riddell chin strap in the late 1950s or early 1960s to meet evolving safety standards.
Shell Details:
• Manufacturer: Rawlings (Stamped "Rawlings" and "A 30" on the rear).
• Material: Heavy-duty leather with factory white paint.
• Size: Stamped 7 1/8.
• Condition: The white paint shows beautiful, authentic "crazing" (fine cracking) consistent with age. There are minor scuffs and surface wear from game use, adding to its character.
Interior & Suspension:
• Design: Classic 8-spoke leather suspension system. The leather webbing is intact but shows wear from age.
• Padding: The original orange foam crown padding has crystallized/deteriorated over time (common for this era), with some residue present in the center.
Hardware & Add-ons:
• Face Mask: Plastic BD-9 style mask, likely added in the late 50s.
• Chin Strap: Features a vintage Riddell chin strap with U.S. Patent 2867812.
• Ear Holes: Feature the signature Rawlings reinforced circular stitching.
Collector's Note:
This A30 model was the high-end "Airlight" version of Rawlings' leather line. It is a rare find for collectors of vintage sports equipment, specifically those interested in the era when football transitioned from leatherheads to plastic shells.
Please see all high-definition photos for exact condition. Sold as a historical collectible only; not intended for modern athletic use.