Mid-Summer Classic Auction 2013
Wed, Jul 24, 2013 08:00PM EDT - Fri, Nov 8, 2013 12:00PM EST
Timed Auction
Lot 1177
1968 LEM BARNEY SIGNED AND INSCRIBED DETROIT LIONS SEASON WORN AND NFL PRO BOWL WORN RIDDELL HELMET (BARNEY LOA)
Sold for
$2,128.80
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 |
From the legendary Hall of Fame cornerback for the Detroit Lions comes this intriguing signed and inscribed game-worn helmet from 1968 his second year in the NFL for the man who was a second-round draft choice in 1967. He was named 1967's Defensive Rookie of the Year and went on to be selected to seven Pro Bowls. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Detroit Lions history. Barney had 56 career interceptions in his 11-year career (all with the Lions) and also gained over 1000 yards returning kickoffs and punts. In 1999 he was ranked No. 97 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Barney has autographed the top of the right side of the helmet in striking black Sharpie adding his No. 20 inscription and "Pro Football Hall of Fame '92" in an attractive script. That kind of biography and the elegant autograph and inscription atop the right side of the helmet would customarily be all the oomph needed for one artifact. But wait there's more. This particular helmet was game-used by the Lions during the 1967 season then quite unceremoniously repainted for use in the Pro Bowl that January following the season going from Lions silver to a gold painted version with the NFL's logo sticker affixed to each side. Few things offer a better glimpse into the ham-and-eggs aura of the 1960's National Football League than such tales of exuberant austerity. The helmet has the two-barred faceguard with interior showing use but intact with taped label "Barney 20" on the inside. The helmet is in super condition yet showing good game use to the repainted gold finish including one area where the gold paint has chipped away to reveal the distinctive "Lions silver" underneath. There are even a couple of small chips on the blue and white adhesive tape used to create the center graphic.
Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from Lem Barney.
Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.
