AntiqueFootball Helmet Grading Protocol Deformation Evaluations

The benchmark for evaluating deformation deductions for vintage football helmets is an understanding of the original factory form of each example. Whenever possible, catalog images and previously inspected and observed examples of a given helmet style are consulted in making a deformation deduction decision. In general, the greater the departure from this benchmark, the higher the deductions assessed. Illustrative examples of helmets with varying types and degrees of deformation are provided below.

Cupping - Concave Curling of Crown Caused by Shrinkage

Helmet in Original Form

Deformation Deduction Values

"Cupping" is defined as concave deformation (curling) that is typically caused by the shrinking of leather or other materials due to dehydration. As they gradually lose their water content over time, helmets may contract symmetrically or asymmetrically depending on exposure, humidity, storage/support, and other factors. Because of the impact on the overall appearance of a helmet, asymmetrical cupping deductions are typically higher than those for symmetrical cupping.

A football helmet in its original form typically exhibits symmetry along its longitudinal and lateral axis. While it is possible to force a vintage helmet into a particular shape with strategically placed support, deformation is rarely reversible. Therefore, all helmets are evaluated based on their current shape on an adequately sized headform. Helmets that were designed to be folded, such as raincap styles, will not receive deductions if they fold, but will if the helmet has lost its ability to conform to a head shape when placed on a form.

Compression - Two-Dimensional Deformation Caused by Applied Pressures

"Compression" is the two-dimensional deformation of a football helmet in either a vertical or horizontal direction caused by improper storage and/or support. The most common form of compression is symmetrical lateral compression, which occurs when the sides of a helmet are forced upon one another. Compressed helmets can be temporarily forced into form when placed on a properly sized headform, however, leather "memory" typically returns the helmet back into its deformed shape when not supported. As with cupped examples, asymmetrically compressed helmets receive higher deductions than symmetrically compressed examples.

Shear - Three-Dimensional Deformation Caused by Applied Pressures

"Shear" is the asymmetrical three-dimensional deformation of a football helmet caused by improper storage and/or support and in some cases dehydration and shrinkage. Shear deformations are more severe departures from original factory form and therefore result in greater deductions than cupping and compression deformations.

The degree of deformation severity is recorded on the helmet grading worksheet using an A-F grading scale. Severity grades are assessed based our extensive database of images of vintage football helmets in varying degrees of condition and form. Each letter grade corresponds to the numeric deduction listed below.

A = SLIGHT, B = MINOR; C = MODERATE; D = SIGNIFICANT; F = SEVERE

Condition Severity Grading Scale: