A more poignant artifact from the turbulent times of the 1960s would be hard to imagine than this amazing batting helmet used by the great Phillies slugger Richie "Dick" Allen in 1968. Hard plastic helmets were introduced into the Major Leagues during the 1950s, obviously to protect batters from pitchers capable of ending a career -- or even a life -- with a single errant fastball (RIP Ray Chapman). How wrenching then to consider that this incredible artifact, while certainly employed in the traditional fashion to protect against the machinations of Drysdale, Gibson, Seaver, et al., might well have also been utilized by the beleaguered Allen as he manned first base at Connie Mack Stadium in front of his own fans. Often pelted with batteries and coins thrown from the stands, the great star took to wearing his batting helmet while manning first base, as disturbing an admission as one can recall in recounting the over-exuberance of fickle fandom.

The size 7-1/2 helmet is truly an incomparable artifact of 1960s Philadelphia Phillies baseball, riddled as it is with scratches that veritably insist that the visible wear can only from from intense game use. A recent letter from John Taube of J.T. Sports substantiates such evidence of "excellent use." And still the helmet remains largely intact, betrayed only by a 3-inch crack above the right ear. The year "1968" is handwritten in black marker on the inside of the helmet. A slightly lighter "7-1/2" appears on the top of the bill. Allen himself has signed the top of the bill in bold 9-10/10 black marker. What an awesome game used piece of history from a popular star slugger in his day.

Accompanied by LOA from J.T. Sports and COA (Cert. #: AM62908) from PSA/DNA for the autograph.