This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/16/2015
This 19th Century piece of protective football equipment was known as a “Victor Special,” a bat-wing style Morrill nose guard. While intentionally striking the face was prohibited at the time, players were allowed to push off of their opponents with force, inevitably catching them in the nose or mouth on occasion. This hard rubber piece fits over the nose and mouth with a bite ledge to hold it in place, along with a head strap. Originally sold by Spaulding for seventy cents, it was the first real attempt to promote player safety.