Auction Item Details
Lot 168
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Lot Number: 168
Description: Exceptional Johnny Unitas Baltimore Colts professional model football helmet c.1960s. The name "Unitas" is synonymous with excellence, devotion to the craft, hard work, and superior talent. Throughout his Hall of Fame career with the Baltimore Colts, quarterback Johnny Unitas shattered records, but more significantly, set the standard by which all quarterbacks before and after have been measured. Offered is a very fine Baltimore Colts professional model helmet worn by Unitas during the 1960s era. Riddell "Kra-Lite 88" model helmet retains its original blue horseshoe shaped Colts logos on either side panel with the legendary "19" in similar blue decals affixed to the back area. Classic two bar facemask and original chin strapping are both stamped with Riddell mfg. markings and remain fully intact. Amazingly, the interior suspension strapping, rubber padding (marked Riddell), and leather ear padding all remain beautifully preserved with original patination and evident use. The helmet exterior exhibits excellent use characteristics while retaining a superb original surface with only some typical light to moderate paint scratching with a few chips. The consignor grew up down the road from Johnny Unitas' restaurant, where he often ate with his father, who was a local politician. The two were friendly within the high profile circles of Baltimore, and Unitas gave the helmet directly to the consignor's father. With regard to condition, originality, and desirable primary source provenance, the offered example must be considered among the finest of its type in existence. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and letter of provenance from the family: EX
Estimated Price: ($20,000.00-$30,000.00)
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