This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2012
During the 1969 season, the Saints decided to test an all-black helmet during the Pre-Season. Although the look was well received, the team did not seek league approval. With all of the season's marketing in place, the NFL immediately ordered the team to abandon their rougue design.
Obtained directly from the collection of team member John Shinners, to our knowledge, this is the only surviving example of this extremely rare style.
This Riddell Kra Lite model has a team ordered black painted shell, with official team applied Saints decals. All suspension is original. The facemask is present, but has broken at the mounting clips. The facemask is vintage 1970s, but not period to the mask.
A vintage red "John Shinners" signature is on the back. For advanced helmet collectors, this is a true helmet grail.