Auction Item Details
Lot 251
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Lot Number: 251
Description: Superb Joe Namath autographed New York Jets professional model football helmet c.1967-68 (Direct provenance). Within the history of the National Football League few players embody iconic status the likes of Joe Willie Namath. Namath's brand of bravado fueled skill play at the quarterback position took the league by storm. His off field legacy was equally impressive and ideally suited for life in New York during the late 1960s earning him the timeless nickname of "Broadway Joe". The 1968 NFL season would, however, elevate Joe Namath to an entirely different plane as he led the New York Jets to the Super Bowl in just his third NFL season. The Jets were set to face the Baltimore Colts who had been a perennial power in the league since the 1950s. Before the game, Namath brashly "guaranteed" a victory against the Colts and in fact delivered on his promise leading the Jets' franchise to their first and only Super Bowl victory. Presented is an exceptional Joe Namath New York Jets professional model helmet dating to the 1967-68 period. Riddell RK2 Kra-Lite model helmet retains its original New York Jets insignia decals on both side panels with rubber chin guard intact. Expanded three bar configuration for the facemask was implemented by Namath after fracturing his jaw late in the 1967 season during a game against the Raiders. The gray clips which secure the facemask to the helmet were replaced as commonly seen from this era. Interior of the helmet retains its original suspension padding with Riddell RK2 labeling and recondition label. Several period identification markings are present including black sharpie "#12" and black sharpie "12 Namath" on helmet shell with "J.W.N." initials on canvas strap. The helmet exhibits superlative evident use including impact markings, scuffs, and general surface wear while retaining ideal patination with strong eye appeal. One side of the helmet displays a period inscription and autograph from Namath, "Andy, Hope you have as much luck with this as I have. Your Pal, Joe Willie Namath." Inscription and signature range from 6-8 out of 10 with areas of age fading. The helmet was originally presented to Andrew (Andy) Vanore who was the son of a business acquaintance of Namath. According to family history the young Vanore had originally asked for Namath's chin strap during the 1968 season to which he replied that he would present him with the entire helmet once the season was over. In its stead, Andy was given a New York Jets team signed football which included an inscription by Namath, "Andy, After the Super Bowl you'll have my Helmet, Joe Willie Namath". Namath eventually honored his promise and gave Andy the offered helmet. The helmet is accompanied by a vintage color 8"x10" image of Joe Namath with Andy's father (Andrew Vanore Sr.) which has been autographed, "Andy, Good luck, Joe Namath" in black sharpie as well as color reproduction of a vintage photo picturing Namath with Andy Vanore Jr. in the Jets locker room. At one point it was believed that this particular helmet could in fact be the very one donned by Broadway Joe in the Jets epic Super Bowl III victory. While the provenance is unimpeachable and there are certain compelling photographic points of similarity it has been determined through professional photo match examination to have several inconsistencies with the helmet Namath wore in Super Bowl III. Without question, one of the most corroborated and exceptional NFL game helmets to have been offered to the collecting public from one of the game's greatest figures. Includes full LOA from JSA (autographs), color copy of Andy Vanore Jr. and Joe Namath, vintage Joe Namath signed 8"x10" color photo with Andy Vanore Sr., and LOA from Hunt Auctions (helmet): VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($50,000-$100,000)
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