Game Used Detroit Lions helmet from the 1940s.  The helmet is a Wilson, worn by many teams in the NFL during this era.  The helmet model was made popular by players of the Lions and the Chicago Bears with both teams continuing to use the Wilson brand through this era into the 1970s.   The helmet is complete with the suspension, original chinstrap, and original Lions silver paint.  The silver paint is straight from the Wilson factory - a bit unusual for helmets that were retained by the team and repainted following each season.  The Wilson stamps are completely readable on the rear of the helmet on both sides - as came straight from the factory.  Clearly the helmet was kept after the first season of use by the player or released from the team after only one year of use.   The helmet was sourced from an Antique mall in Central Ohio along with some other Lions memorabilia from the same period.   Photos from this era show many different brands and models of leather helmets used by the Lions including this same model with the multiple rear ventilation holes.    A great helmet and example of early helmet in wonderful display condition, at a very good price.