Game Worn Oakland Raiders Riddell Micro Fit helmet worn by Tight End Derrick Ramsey.  Ramsey started out with the Raiders in 1978 as a star Special Teams player and later became a downfield threat as a Tight End with the Raiders and later the Patriots.  The helmet was manufactured in 1975 and has a faint 73 player identifier on the inside as well as a very faint 50 identifier writting in the crown.  Dave Dalby was of course the #50.  It is quite possible that Dalby was issued the new Micro Fit helmet in 1975 but opted later to switch to the Gladiator Hydro Flo.  Photos of Dalby in 1975 show him in a Micro Fit helmet.  The #73 was not on a roster from ‘75 to ‘78 so the helmet may have been issued to a draft pick or camp player prior to its issue to Ramsey.  Ramsey wore this helmet during his rookie season of 1978 and also in at least the 1979 season.  Photos from the 1980s show Ramsey wearing a different helmet.  

For any other team, the helmet would be considered to have heavy wear, however for the Raiders - it is would be considered moderate wear!  There is damage to the logo decals as well as the center stripe, along with paint transfers, and gouges.  The decals and stripe are adhered to the helmet very well with the original adhesive with one tip of a logo loose and part of the center stripe slid to one side.  We did not attempt to fix the logo nor the center stripe, nor would we advise that they are.  If you know Raiders helmets, you know that any and all marks and “irregularities” were kept and wore like a badge of honor.  The well worn Schutt 70s OPO style mask has been bent by the Raiders Equipment Manager - as he did for most receivers to allow for maximum visability of Stabler’s reverse spin passes.  The mask is secured to the helmet using reproduction vintage clips - replacing the modern clips that were securing the mask when we received the helmet.  Ramsey’s #84 identifier is in good shape on the rear of the helmet with some slight transfer marks and are also adhered well.  The helmet is complete along with both the original chinstrap and the original pair of Riddell leather jawpads.  

If you are a Raiders helmet collector, you know how rare game used Raiders helmet are - let alone one that is attributed to a player with the identifiers still in place.   This is one nice Raiders helmet.  The photos do not do it justice.  Not beat to crap, but also not fresh and shiny.  This one is just right and won’t last long.  Don’t wait or even think about it.  You won’t regret it.