This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
After two great seasons with as a center with USC, Gil Kuhn was named the team’s captain for the 1936 season. The Trojans went through the season undefeated and Kuhn was selected to play in the annual College All-Star Game in Chicago. Held from 1934 through 1976, the game let the best collegiate stars face a professional NFL team. Naturally the professional NFL team usually prevailed, but in the 1937 game the college stars shutout the Greenbay Packers 6-0. In the ’37 game Gil Kuhn was the college All-Star’s center, and this is the helmet he wore during the game.
The Spalding leather and fibre helmet has a silver-grey body with red and blue leather accents. The front has been fitted with a face mask, a rarity for the time period and something much sought after today. The helmet shows heavy game use with many abrasions and scuffs throughout. The remains of a decal is found on the front above the left eye. The interior has a still-intact fleece lining and complete suspension system. The interior leather head piece has “KUHN” hand written in faded black fountain pen. Gil Kuhn went on to become the first player to be drafted by the NFL when he was chosen by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937. During WWII Kuhn flew 40 missions in B-17s, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He later served as football coach at the University of San Diego. A real vintage gamer from a rare college all-star game win.
Includes letter of provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.