Old Football Helmet

[netennis]

I would like information about this old leather helmet that I believe is a spoke type football helmet. It came out of a hardware store that was originally ran by an 85 year old man's father. It has K&G 50 stamped into the top of the helmet. It could be K&C50, but I believe it is the former (see pictures). Have any of you see this particular helmet or do you believe it is an old, unused football helmet? Any help would be appreciated.

[MGHPro]

Doesn't look old to me
Matt

[vintagesportflips]

I am not familiar with a maker with those initials, but I have had an 8 spoke helmet made by a small Philadelphia area maker before, so an unknown maker wouldn't be a surprise. The one I had was sold by a local Philadelphia area hardware store, and marked with the hardware store's name. I agree with Matt that the leather doesn't look old. Any idea how it was found? Stored inside its original box? You would think it would still show drying, or some other aging. Can you show the padding in the interior? In the photo, the little of it that you can see looks like it has some age, but tough to tell in the photo.

[pgellis]

I agree, more photos will help, especially of the inside of the helmet. Photo of the back of the helmet and the chin strap will also be helpful.

[iwantitiwinit]

I don''t beleive this is a vintage helmet. Look at the grain of the leather it looks synthetic. Stitching too uniform and the edges of the leather spokes look too newly/sharply cut. I say its bogus.

[Maddog]

I agree. That is not vintage.
I think I have a good knowledge of football helmets & styles.
I have seen pretty much all styles & versions of leather football helmets and have never come across one exactly like this.
It does resemble in some was a few of the very early styles pre 1920 but the quality and condition is recent in my opinion. Looks like the leather hasn't even began to age yet.

I would suggest reaching out to Pasttime Sports- they do a LOT of recreations on the early helmets. You can also reach out to Helmet Hut for their idea's.

Charlie.