Lem Barney's Game Used & Signed 1970s Pro Bowl Helmet - Also used by Barney to demonstrate lack of player safety during 2010 House Committee Hearing!
A helmet that has played a significant role during the 1970s and beyond, offered here is a Game Used Pro Bowl Helmet with the inscription "Game Used, #20, '92, Hall of Fame" that has been personally signed by Lem Barney. This vintage football helmet was likely a Detroit Lions helmet originally that was repurposed for the Pro Bowl after one of Barney's 4 Pro Bowl seasons in the 1970s (1972, 1973, 1975 & 1976). As was common practice in the early years of the NFL, a player's helmet would be repainted and re-taped to be used in the Pro Bowl, then serving as a momento for the player after the game. This vintage suspension model helmet display the NFC's design and features Barney's number "20" and last name penned on the inside of the helmet. The shell exhibits moderate usage and multiple scuffs and impact markings that appear from play and some that appear to have been painted over, again reaffirming the theory that this helmet was likely used by Barney during the course of a season.
In addition to being used and signed by Barney, prior to letting it go to collectors, Barney took this very helmet to a House Judiciary Committee hearing on January 4, 2010 in which Barney showcased this very helmet and testified to the lack of safety features of helmets during his playing career. Barney's testimony along with others led to changes being implemented on all levels of play of football, introducing helmets that were better designed to limit brain injuries during use. Getty image numbers 95578633 and 95578655 showcase Barney with the helmet at the hearing and showcase specific indentifiers to confirm that this is indeed the exact helmet Barney brought to the hearing.
A helmet of this nature would be significant enough simply being used by the Lions HOF legend. Add to it the impact it had on changing the game, and you have a special piece of football history! Authenticated and accompanied by a COA from James Spence Authentication (JSA).