This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2013
Voted to his third consecutive Pro Bowl in as many years in the league, the great Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney wore this marvelous helmet at the game held at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, and also in the preceding Lions regular NFL season. Such is the fate of this vintage Riddell Suspension Helment, repainted from the iconic Lions silver to its current white, with red and blue adhesive striping at the center and imposing "N" logos on each side in the same colors. Barney would go on to be selected to seven total Pro Bowls and is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Detroit Lions history. He has autographed the top of the right side of the helmet in blue Sharpie, adding his No. 20 inscription and "Pro Football Hall of Fame '92" in an attractive script. Like its counterpart auction lot, this helmet was game-used by the Lions during the 1968 season, then repainted for use in the Pro Bowl that year. Few things offer a better glimpse into the blue-collar aura of the 1960's National Football League than such tales of exuberant austerity. The helmet has the two-barred faceguard, with interior showing use but intact, with "Barney" hand written on the right inside ear flap and his "20" on the other. The helmet is in fine condition, yet showing good game use to the repainted white finish, including a couple of tiny areas where the white paint has chipped away to reveal the distinctive "Lions silver" underneath. There is also a small crack in the rubber guard used to protect the back of the neck.
Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from Lem Barney.