Game Used, worn Los Angeles Rams Riddell RK suspension football helmet.  The Riddell RK helmet was introduced by the manufacturer in 1954 using the same molds as their previous RT suspension models but with a new material which they called "Kra-Lite."   The RK helmets are easily recognized with the flared sides of the helmet as well as the raised center ridge - which spliced and strengthened the two halves of the helmet.  The RK model helmet was the preferred helmet of the Rams and other NFL teams, and used almost exclusively by the Rams during the 1960s.  The helmet has an original manufacturing datecode of 1966 stamped in the crown of the helmet, with a 1968 dated facemask showing that the helmet was used for several seasons.   Rams helmets from this era are highly coveted by collectors and are difficult if not almost impossible to find on the collectors market.  This helmet is all original, complete, and unmodified in any way from the time that we purchased it many years back from a major auction house - where it was consigned by the family of USC and Raiders quarterback, Todd Marinovich.  It has been in our private collecton since purchase and is being made available for the first time since our purchase.   

Rams helmets have always been a bit different from conventional NFL team's helmets.  As you may know, the Rams were the first NFL team to have logos on their helmets when Fred Gerke painted rams horns on his leather helmet - resulting in the owner paying Gerke to paint the rest of the team's helmets, as well as touching up/maintaining the paint on the helmets between games.  The painted logos continued through the 1950s and 1960s and finally came to an end in 1973 when the Rams changed their white horns for the gold-yellow colored horns - using a vinyl decal which replaced the painted horns.  Unlike Gerke's artwork - painted with a brush - free hand, the helmets of the 50's and 60's used a more conventional process of painting the entire helmet the color of the horns, masking off the horns and then painting the primary blue color of the helmet. Today, as mentioned previously, the painted horned Rams helmets of those eras are arguably the rarest and most sought after helmets of all collectors.  

The horns and paint of the helmet are original to the helmet.  The horns are properly positioned and in very nice condition with no excessive stratches or gouges.  The color has aged a beautiful off-white consistent with all Rams helmets from this period, adding provenance to the authenticity. There are no numbers or dymo tape names inside of the helmet, however there is a piece of athletic tape with the player number long ago faded away on the inside of the helmet.  The helmet has it original RK4 six strap/three loop suspension, original leather jawpads, and original Riddell BD9 model two-bar plastic facemask, secured to the helmet with the original hardware.  The Riddell heat stamps on the rear of the helmet are in great shape - white and well defined. The interior has a well worn front suspension covering - proving that it was worn countless times on the field, as well as a well-warped/easily replaced rubber crown pad. 

The helmet paint does in places, have something over it.  We are not sure if it is dirt or what it is, but it can be seen in the photo below.  When we purchased the helmet years ago we tried mild dish soap to remove it but it was unsuccessful in removing the film.  Further attempts or attempts with anything stronger were never done, choosing to keep the helmet as it was purchased as it does not detract from it's beauty.  Otherwise the paint is in excellent condition with very minor/minimal scratching or discoloration.  It is clear that it has spent most of its life tucked away - on a shelf in the Ram's equipment room, on the head or in the hands of a substitute player or special teams specialist, and in its later life as the centerpiece of a collector - away from light and weather, and protected in a display cabinet.  Tough helmet to find from this era, from an time where the Fearsome Foursome and Garbiel to Snow ruled the gridiron.  Helmet is in great condition.  Simply a very nice helmet to display and enjoy; I hope the new owner enjoys it as much as we have.