Lionbackers.com

I noticed this the other day on EbAY and wondered how old it is and who was #15..???.

Actual helmet could be authentic, but that cage was definitely not used in a game. I would want to see the inside of the helmet to verify authenticity. This style of helmet was worn from '67 - '70 and '72 - '77.


DH

I asked the seller and they were told it may be Willie Fleming's helmet. He was number 15 and I believe the number was retired. I got a couple photos to look over showing the inside and MacGregor markings on the back.
It's a clear helmet, reverse painted. Here is the Ebay number #272464602675....I wonder were it will go..?. I asked what the reverse was and they would not say.

Here is another shot.

Fleming's number was retired several years after he retired. Other players have worned that number.Dale Brady is one that immediately comes to mind.

i think when fleming played they had the paw on their helmet, this came later....

Besides DB Dale Brady mentioned above, Other players who wore #15 are: QB Vidal Carlin (70, facemask not QB style, though), DB Bob Hall (67), DB Wayne Matherne (71-74), WR Jake Scott (69)

From that list I would suspect the helmet might have belonged to Wayne Matherne. He was a hard hitter and the helmet shows the effects of his style of play.

I'm watching it. The seller has mentioned Wayne Matherne as the possible owner. I think it's a cool looking helmet. I can't recall seeing another older one come up on Ebay in recent years.

Again, I would be cautious about this helmet's authenticity. Not saying that a player didn't wear the actual helmet (although I would prefer to see the inside of it to be sure), but the Lions never wore that grill. They did have an orange grill in 1976 and 1977, but it wasn't that pale orange colour, so someone has affixed a random grill somewhere along the way.

The seller has amended his earlier comments that it's likely Willie Fleming's (it's not), but I am always leery when I read stuff like, "we can remember our late uncle telling us it was his (Willie's) helmet when we were young."

Lots of bids for this item; bidding is far higher than similar vintage Als and Rough Rider helmets on Ebay right now. I am passing.


DH

Its on craigslist now for 600.00 BB