November Catalog Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2012
Norm Van Brocklin was a 9 time Pro Bowler, won NFL Championships in 1951 and 1960, was the NFL MVP in 1960 (his final year) and elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971. We present what to this day is the only certified Van Brocklin Rams game worn helmet and it originates directly from the Norm Van Brocklin collection, originally sold by Hunt Auctions. The Hunt LOA that accompanies it reads: "Fine Norm Van Brocklin Los Angeles Rams professional model helmet c.1950s. Early Riddell model helmet displays painted Rams horns on both side panels which were fashioned after the original design by the Rams' halfback Fred Gehrke who had studied art in college and first executed the design on their helmets in 1948. The original single bar facemask remains intact along with its leather chin strap, both of which are marked Riddell. Interior suspension padding remains fully intact with Riddell manufacturer stampings and patent numbers. Ventilation holes are also found on the top of this particular helmet style, which is one of Riddell's earliest professional models. Two pieces of vintage linen tape are affixed on both interior ear areas and bear period ink notations, "11" and "Van" respectively in reference to Van Brocklin and his uniform number 11. Overall condition is nearly impossible to improve upon, exhibiting appropriate usage while retaining its structural and visual integrity. Additionally, the exterior helmet surface remains in fully original condition with no in painting commonly seen on Rams helmets of the period. In addition to being an extremely rare and desirable early NFL helmet style, this example is believed to be the first Norm Van Brocklin professional model helmet to be offered at public auction. Substantial football rarity that originates from the collection of Norm Van Brocklin and remains in exceptional original condition. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: EX-EX/MT."
Additional LOA from MEARS. Full Mears and Hunt LOAs will be available on website, some highlights are:
"MEARS #312652;
1956-57 circa Norm Van Brocklin Los Angeles Rams Professional Model RK4 Riddell Helmet;
Original Riddell Suspension Helmet;
RK4 6 Point Suspension;
Fitted with factory anti-concussion padding;
Half pie snap in leather jaw pads;
Blue shell with yellow ram horn over paint;
Single bar face mask appears original;
Complete with leather chinstrap;
Inside has original tape with “11” hand written, Brocklin’s uniform number. “VAN” also appears on tape.
Shows heavy game wear;
Originates directly from the family collection of Norm Van Brocklin."
An absolute treasure and one of the finest NFL game used collectibles available on the market at any price.