LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 May Sports Sig. Auction #707  / 

19912

1985 Dan Marino Super Bowl XIX Game Worn Helmet.

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Game Used Memorabilia Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
1985 Dan Marino Super Bowl XIX Game Worn Helmet.
<B>1985 Dan Marino Super Bowl XIX Game Worn Helmet.</B></I> Despite his top ranking on the career charts in the two most relevant statistics for the quarterback position, passing yards and touchdown completions, the elusive Super Bowl victory will always be seen as the legendary Hall of Famer's white whale. "I want to know what it's like to play in a Super Bowl and win one," he was once quoted as saying. "My career will be great without it. But, personally, selfishly, I want to know what it feels like."<BR><BR> Unfortunately, Marino never would experience that feeling, though his assertion that his career would be great without it is undeniably true. Still, it's rare to enter any discussion about the game's greatest quarterbacks, and Marino's place in that realm, without a mention of the empty space on his Championship ring finger. And, so the importance of the remarkable relic we present here needs little explication.<BR><BR> Endless photo matches assure beyond any doubt that this is the helmet Marino wore as he made his only grab for that brass/Championship ring, closing out a remarkable fourteen and two regular season, his second in the NFL, with a heartbreaking loss to Joe Montana's San Francisco 49'ers at California's Stanford Stadium. The only thing missing is the "Dolphins" customization to the front bumper, though, interestingly enough, the base "Riddell" bumper is clearly covered with a dirt and glue residue and in one of the photo matches, the right side of the bumper sticker under the letters "INS" in "DOLPHINS" is clearly disengaged. On the helmet's exterior, the proper original striping is present and photo matches show uneven disjointed front endings of each as well as dirt/glue residue stains. The original Dolphin's starburst logos remain intact and another exact photo match shows the left side detached with a bubbled disengagement on the 10 o'clock position.<BR><BR> The rear shell is likewise an exact match to photos from the Super Bowl, with Marino's number "13" identically placed straddling the center striping in a high position necessitated by the black number "20" mourning sticker honoring David Overstreet. Marino's open-eyed quarterback style aqua mask with an extra low bar for jaw protection is present with period clips. Also present and quite rare is the original double low Riddell hookup chin strap. Another key feature is the custom forehead pad and glued cushion which are present and which can be seen in numerous photos with exact depth and contour. Even the chin strap and the rear warning sticker decal are exact to game photography.<BR><BR> A full season of use is clearly evident, and consistent from the exterior shell to the interior WD1 padding system. We find a faded number "13" in marker above left ear hole inside as well, along with "8/82" date stamping.<BR><BR> In every regard, this represents the finest Marino helmet ever offered at public sale, and one of the most desirable quarterback helmets, bar none. A Canton-quality artifact to be certain, and a piece that would thrill and amaze even the most jaded of high-end football collectors. Consigned by a former Pro Bowler, with his letter of provenance. <I>LOA from Lou Lampson.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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