AntiqueFootball Helmet Grading Protocol

Helmet Grading Worksheet

The AntiqueFootball Helmet Grading Worksheet is a template utilized to evaluate key components of a vintage helmet to distinguish it from similar, previously examined examples, and, those that will be evaluated in the future. The worksheet provides criteria for deductions for departures from factory new old stock (NOS) condition to arrive at an AFR score based on a 100 point grading scale.

The AntiqueFootball

protocol

noun

a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure

Unlike the grading process for other sports collectibles, such as trading cards and autographs, a vintage football helmet grading system must be capable of evaluating multi-component, three-dimensional objects and provide a defensible and repeatable method for the comparison of a large and diverse population of styles. The AntiqueFootball Helmet Grading Protocol is a standardized, step-by-step, scientific procedure designed to allow a comprehensive evaluation of a helmet's macroscopic properties, such as completeness and form, and the microscopic condition variables by which seemingly identical examples can be distinguished.

Score Summary Table and Overall Grade

Once deformation, exterior and interior condition scoring is completed, scores are weighted and an overall numeric condition score is computed using a 0-100 scale. Based on this numeric composite score, a condition grade ranging from MINT to POOR is assigned using the scale provided in the table below. The highest possible grade awarded is MINT, while any score below 60.00 results in a grade of POOR.

Grading Exclusions

The purpose of AntiqueFootball's Helmet Grading protocol is to evaluate the proximity of vintage football helmets to their original factory form and condition. Helmet examples that are homemade, or for which there are no comparable examples or catalog image resources available may present unique grading challenges that prohibit the application of the protocol, particularly when the original form cannot be ascertained. In these cases the AntiqueFootball helmet evaluator will determine the applicability of the protocol and determine whether or not a grade can be issued prior to evaluation.

Additionally, the protocol is not designed to account for the absence of major helmet elements, such as ear flaps or helmet crown. Therefore, only helmets that possess these major elements will be graded on the MINT-POOR scale. All others may be evaluated but will be given a grade of AUTH.

Worksheet Example

Each helmet is meticulously examined at seven (7) exterior and seven (7) interior positions, with deductions taken for each condition issue using an A-F severity grade scale. Each letter grade has a corresponding numeric deduction that is applied to a helmet's overall condition score.

Helmet Examination Positions

The three primary evaluation criteria of the Antique Football Helmet Grading Protocol are deformation, exterior condition, and interior condition. While the protocol considers each of these criteria carefully, additional weight is given to a helmet's deformation (40%) and exterior condition (35%) scores compared to its interior condition (25%) score. The rationale behind this weighting is grounded in the fact that collectors place greater emphasis on a helmet's proximity to original factory form and external appearance over interior condition issues that are not readily evident when displayed.

Every deduction taken is recorded on the Helmet Grading Worksheet, including a detailed description of the condition issue, its severity and location. In addition, every deduction is identified in helmet photos provided in each worksheet.

Deduction Documentation

FRONT

REAR

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT
BODY

RIGHT
EAR

LEFT
BODY

LEFT
EAR

LEFT
BODY

LEFT
EAR

RIGHT
EAR

RIGHT
BODY

FRONT

REAR

TOP

INTERIOR

CROWN