Description:Rare Victor Sporting Goods "batwing" nose guard c.1890s.. Desirable early nose guard marked "Victor Sporting Goods" on the front with late 1891 patent date below. Heavy wear throughout including very early leather tape reinforcement to hold the canvas head strapping at the top. Hand carved triangular shape for ventilation at the center with two small pieces of cloth string knotted through two small holes on either side. The raised letter Victor manufacturer's stampings present nicely at the bottom of front. Seldom encountered early piece of football equipment: GD-VG