This is an original PPI helmet from the mid 1970s to 1980.  A date code of 1975 is stamped on the shell of the helmet.   About as rare of a helmet as you will find.  A handful of Cowboys wore a PPI helmet but not many other players in the NFL used them (see our listing for a consigned Ed Fisher Oilers helmet).  The helmet does not look like it was used, or at least not used much at all.  

If you know helmets, you may know what you are looking at - but not many collectors do.  The PPI helmet was a leading edge helmet designed to reduce the number of concussions of players wearing Riddell suspension helmets in the early 1970s.  It was developed at the same time that Riddell was phasing out their TK suspension helmet for their padded Micro Fit and Pac3 models.  The PPI helmet utilized a heavily padded suspension along with front and rear padding with integrated side padding - secured to the helmet using screws similar to Wilson and Rawlings helmets of the same era. 
 

The helmet is original, and is unaltered or modified in any way.   It shows very light wear on the exterior and interior of the helmet, which most likely was a result of displaying and moving around throughout the last five (5) decades.  The helmet is complete including the chinstrap, with the original PPI padded suspension, original jaw pads, and the original Wilson 2-bar gray facemask.  The 49ers used a lot of Wilson helmets and facemasks throughout the 50s through 80s, and this one has a Wilson mask - secured to the helmet using the original hardware.  

The striping and side logos are original to the helmet from when we purchased it.   They are positioned properly, and adhered to the helmet with no lifting - or any damage to the side logos.  Interesting to note that the side stripes appear to be the same 1" width as the center stripe.  The 49ers throughout this period utilized both 3/4" and 1" side stripes.  The chinstrap is a four-point low mount style - a bit rare for this period.  

This helmet is part of my personal collection and has been on display in a cabinet for years.  Thinning the collection a bit and it can go to another collector.  This is not a replica helmet, nor is it a brand new reproduction helmet that are now being offered.  Great for the office, bar, or den. Excellent gift for the fan in your life.