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Brand: Wilson Athletic Goods Mfg. Co.
Decade: 1940s
Item: Vintage Leather Protective Helmet (Baseball/Football)
Original/Reproduction: Original
Size: 7 (Stamped)
Color: Brown/Faded Olive (Exterior Paint) / Dark Leather
Country/Region of Manufacture: USA (Chicago, IL)
Condition: Pre-owned
Item Description
Title: Vintage 1940s Wilson Athletic Goods Mfg. Co. Leather Head Protector Helmet, Stamped Size 7, Chicago ILL.
Description:
Offered here is a genuinely rare piece of early athletic history: an all-original, vintage leather protective helmet made by the legendary Wilson Athletic Goods Mfg. Co. The clear inner-lining stamp dates this piece to approximately the 1940s.
This helmet, featuring a unique, multi-paneled leather "spoke" or "egg-crate" interior suspension system, was designed for head protection in either baseball (such as early headgear for batters or fielders) or football. The original design allows the "hinged" ear and back of the head flaps to fit snugly against the head.
Authentic Stamping: Clearly marked "WILSON ATH. GOODS MFG. CO." | "7" (Size) | "CHICAGO, ILL." on the dark leather lining.
Unique Construction: Multi-vented dome shell (7 large vent holes on the dome). Distinctive inner spoke system for suspension and air-flow.
Period Correct: Retains original "faded olive-brown" paint finish on the exterior leather shell, likely customized for a specific team.
Original Hardware: Includes all original copper rivets, snaps (stamped "RAU PROV. R.I." for the period-correct fabric straps).
Condition Report:
This helmet is in genuine vintage, unrestored condition, showing significant wear, character, and patina.
Exterior Leather: Scuffed, rubbed, and worn, with darkening and significant paint loss. The paint is a custom faded olive. One ear flap has a small rip/puncture. The general structure of the shell is solid.
Interior Lining: The dark leather lining shows dryness, cracking, and wear, but the main stamps are legible. The inner suspension bands are worn and brittle, but present. One suspension band has broken stitching (refer to photos).
Hardware: Screws and snaps show rust/corrosion and tarnish but all pieces seem present.
L14-21
