Real Leatherheads in Art

The very first leather football helmet was worn in an 1893 Army-Navy game. An Annapolis shoe maker developed it for Admiral Joseph Mason Reeves who had been advised by a Navy doctor that he would risk death, insanity or paralysis should he take another blow to his head during a game. Later helmets improved design with padding, ear flaps and eventually face guards. Interestingly, the first earflaps were made not to protect the ears but so that other players could not grab the ears!

Players often devised their own method of padding the body and crude shoulder and hip pads were worn throughout the early years of football particularly in the early 1900's. Helmets were a rarity to see on players and often some player wore them while others did not. In the 1920's leather helmets became more accepted but were still not mandatory.

'From Leather to Legendary' is officially licensed by the NFL. Each fine art print comes with a NFL Hologram.
A great gift for your Packer's fan! Buy Now!

Early helmets had no identifying marks upon them whatsoever. Fierce competition, rivalry, and team pride resulted in some colleges and high schools to paint their helmets by hand. Team colors or mascots were eventually painted on to easily distinguish team players. Imagine being a quarterback attempting to find the receiver far down field with no identifying marks on the receiver! Imagine that being a mud game! how difficult that must have been especially if the receiver was well covered in mud! Modern day players can thank the Rams for starting the painting of team logo's on helmets. In 1948 the Rams horns were painted on team helmets and soon after all football helmets bore a teams logo or colors.

While we cannot imagine playing a game of football without protective gear the era of 'leatherheads' shows the true grit those early players had. They took a beating week after week and often went to their regular jobs during the week. Their sheer determination and love of the game has given us the football we know today and thankfully our players are much more protected.

If you can find a leather helmet from that golden era you would be lucky! To find one that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg would be an even bigger accomplishment. Images of 'leatherheads' can be difficult to find as well. International sports artist Andy Goralski has just finished a fine art piece titled "From Leather to Legendary' that portrays the Acme Packers team with the infamous leatherhead helmets. In the backround is the legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay showing off its newly renovated look. To find out more and see this legendary piece of sports art complete with a team of 'leatherheads' Click here!

Get Yours Today! Only 175.00 shipping included! (continental US) Green Bay Packer's fans, Lambeau Field fans and fans of sports nostalgia will appreciate this beautiful fine art print of Lambeau Field and Curly's Acme Packer's commemorating 90 years of Packers history. Another great sports art print by Andy Goralski

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