The Riddell full-size Raiders helmet before you holds the autographs of just about every important player to put on an Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders helmet, from the early AFL years to the franchise's return to Oakland in the 1990's. There are 20 signatures (9 Hall of Famers) in all, many with the player's jersey number, Hall of Fame induction year, or nickname inscribed. The helmet itself is in almost pristine condition, and while not game worn it is the official Riddell helmet in quality and design. Remarkably clean and shiny elements make each autograph in black marker stand out beautifully. The nine Hall of Famers included are George Blanda, Jim Otto, Art Shell, Fred Biletnikoff, Willie Brown, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott and Tim Brown. Ken "Snake" Stabler, Jim Plunkett, Daryle Lamonica, and Ray Guy have also blessed this ball with their John Hancock. Here are the signatures and inscriptions in order of appearance on the shell.
Right side:
"Daryle Lamonica #3", "Ray Chester 88", "Tim Brown 81", "Jim Otto 00", "Goerge Blanda H.O.F. 81 #16", "Ken Stabler", "Fred Biletnikoff 25", "Marcus Allen #32", "Ray Guy 8", "Mervyn Fernandez #86" and "Cliff Branch #21"
Left side:
"Willie Brown #24", "Lester Hayes 37", "Jack Tatum #32 The Assasin", "Jim Plunkett", "Howie Long", "Ronnie Lott", "Ted Hendricks #83", "Ben Davidson" and "Art Shell H.O.F. 1989"
An added bonus to this lot is a unique autograph grouping on collector Bill Albert's company letterhead of four Heisman Trophy winners who wore the silver and black: Bo Jackson, Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, and Raghib "Rocket" Ismail. Only Charles Woodson is missing to make this the perfect set.
It took Bill Albert years to accumulate such a great grouping of Raider greats. Albert worked as a staff photographer for the San Jose Giants minor league baseball club (Giants single A affiliate) and did freelance photography for the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's where he developed many relationships with Bay Area professional athletes. He was also a relentless pursuer of autographs at trading card and autograph shows.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.