This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2003.
Since the beginning of organized college football, Notre Dame has been one of the premier teams in the country. Knute Rockne and "The Four Horseman" dominated opposing teams and introduced what is known today as the "forward pass." In 1939, the Fighting Irish went 7-2, coached by Elmer Layden, and Joe Thesing was a college All-Star the year after in 1940. We are honored to have the opportunity to offer this rare game-used brown with black trim leather Notre Dame helmet worn by Joe Thesing in 1939. The helmet was manufactured by "Spalding" and their logo has been pressed into the leather at the center of the front. The size of the helmet, "7 1/4," appears on the back, stamped in the same way. Above this is the number "33," presumably representing the player. The same number appears on the back in large black stenciled on numbering. The school initials "ND" are also on the back, stamped in a series of air holes. The inner part is reminiscent of a suspension style helmet and an "Cushion Airlight" stamp appears on the inside. On the front, above the Spalding stamp, is wear indicating that there may have been a nose guard attatched. The battered and scarred helmet is symbolic of a time when football was played by real men.