Game Used, worn Mississippi Rebels Riddell Pac3 football helmet.  The helmet has an original manufacturing datecode of 1974 in the helmet.   The Rebels wore this darker blue helmet, with these logos and gray facemask from 1973 though the 1979 season. The helmet is all original, complete, and unmodified in any way from the time that it left the field for the ast time.   

The Pac3 model of helmet was Riddell's first attempt at removable sized padding inserts that did not require inflation.  Different thickness padding inserts were swapped in the helmet to achieve the perfect fit for the player's head.  This helmet is a perfect example of a very early Pac3 helmet, in a very large, uncommon size - both for the era as well as for this model of helmet.   A size 7 7/8 is simply unheard of in the Pac3 line of helmets, and is the first one of this size that we have seen in more than 35 years of collecting and selling.   The helmet has an ultra-rare Dungard facemask model.  The mask is bolted directly at the top mount and uses Dungard clips at the side mounts.  These original clips have broken away as they all do, but the mask remains firmly secured to the helmet at the top mounts.  The new owner can decide whether to replace the clips or display the helmet as it is today.   The helmet retaining the original screws and hardware. 

The striping and logo decals are original to the helmet, properly positioned, and adhered to the helmet well with no lifting.  There is a #96 player identifier written on athletic tape as done by the Rebels equipment staff during this period, applied to the inside of the helmet.  Additionally, there is adhesive shadowing on the outside shell of the larger round "big play" award decals, as shown in the last photo below, that were removed when the helmet was released.  

The helmet remains in very nice condition with no fading or staining of any kind due to age.  It is clear that it has spent most of its life tucked away inside, kept away from light or the weather.   Tough helmet to find from this era, in a ultra rare size, with a super rare mask.  Helmet is in great display condition.  Simply a very nice helmet to enjoy and display.