This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/29/2012
The Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s ruled football's landscape. The linch pin behind the entire football team was Emmitt Smith. While Aikman stole women's hearts and Michael Irvin, blessed with his mink coats, had a sense of fashion and bravado like nobody else, it was Smith who was Dallas' heartbeat.
If a yard need to be churned out, it was Emmitt who, inevitably, would get it. Even a separated shoulder failed to sideline the Hall of Fame running back. This helmet was worn by Emmitt circa 1993-94 and has the use to prove it.
Numerous gouges and scratches from gridiron contact appear on the silver shell. The classic Cowboys star is stickered on both sides. The back includes a NFL shield sticker, "E. SMITH" dymo label, Provo Group sticker (Helmet GA8E44B217), transparent warning sticker and All American size "L" label. "05 00" is stamped in the inner ear.
The facemask has "94" year clips and matches the style incorporated by Smith. One of the side clips reads "93". The right inner ear hole has a "22" decal tucked under the padding.
We have included a Getty Images scan (292578) showing Smith wearing helmet with a similar dymo label configuration. This is not being presented as a photo match, rather a style match.
The NFL's all-time leading rusher signed the helmet in black felt tip. We are almost certain the Prova sticker was used for authenticating the autograph.
v0083
(JSA Auction Letter; MEARS Auction LOA)