Vintage Franklin Football Helmet c.1940
$95
ABOUT
An original Franklin H-44 hard composite and leather football helmet with chin strap.
- CREATOR Franklin.
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940.
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Hard Composite, Leather.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Some missing leather.
- DIMENSIONS H 8 in. W 10 in. D 6 in.
HISTORY
One of the first instances of football headgear dates to 1896 when a college halfback began to use straps and earpieces to protect his ears. It is not certain who invented the football helmet.
One innovation from the early 1900s period was hardened leather. 1917 marked the first time helmets were raised above the head in an attempt to direct blows away from the top of the head. Ear flaps also had their downfall during this period as they had little ventilation and made it difficult for players to hear. The 1920s marked the first time that helmets were widely used in the sport of football.
