1988 BUFFALO BILLS, THURMAN THOMAS STYLE, GAME-USED, RIDDELL AF2 FOOTBALL HELMET

Description

1988 BUFFALO BILLS
GAME-USED
THURMAN THOMAS STYLE
RIDDELL AF2
____________________
THIS HELMET IS A
”HYBRID GAMER”**
This team-issue helmet has the extremely rare “PJM” front bumper decal the team used from 1985 through 1988, Thomas’ rookie season.
It also features the extremely rare original Bike Shock-Blockers that hold the mask in place (not original to helmet).
Actual player that used this helmet is un-known.
A super-rare helmet for the serious helmet collector or die-hard Bills fan.
From the “private reserve”* collection.
___________________
BRAND –
Riddell
MODEL –
AF2
SIZE –
8 (I wear a size 7 1/2. When I tried this on, it fit me perfectly.)
PRODUCTION DATE –
n/a
SHELL –
impregnated, red shell.
FACEMASK –
80’s Schutt, slightly used original white (not re-dipped) NOPO, green dot. No date stamp. Some minor nicks and minor metal exposeures.
CLIPS –
2x vintage clear Schutts on top, two extremely rare, vintage, white, Bike shock blockers on the sides
JAW PADS –
2 vintage leather Riddell large leather.
PADDING –
Excellent condition for age. No holes or cracking.
CHINSTRAP –
4 point-low Riddell soft cup.
DECALS –
10 mil
OTHER NOTES –
the original tubing in the Shock-blockers has been replaced. Like the face mask clips from this era (it looks like they were made from the same type of plastic), the tubing crumbled very easily.
Interesting note: The NFL-style, gold-on-clear warning label was put on
over
the Bills’ decal  (see picture).  Usually you see it the other way around; decals overlapping warning labels.
** team issue – This helmet was obtained from a collector affiliated with the NFL. Sorry, no COA.
ALL
MY HELMETS AND HELMET COMPONENTS ARE NOT INTENTED FOR PROTECTION OR COMPETITIVE USE, THEY ARE
ALL
FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY.
THANKS FOR LOOKING AND HAPPY EBAY-ING!
** “
hybrid gamer” –
Like many of the helmets I acquire, this one is an actual team-issued, and/or game-used, NFL helmet. Although it is from an NFL team, the player who used it was un-identifiable, a moderate player, or someone who was only on the team briefly. In these instances, the helmet was modified to the specification of a particular player.  All that said, this is either a game-used or practice helmet, most likely used by an unfamiliar player, and is unlikely used by ‘star” or recognizable player. Then again, it
could
be!
I often acquire these helmets from people who have worked in the NFL, other collectors and auction, or simply by people who picked them/it up through some unusual circumstances. That said, they
usually
do not come with a COA or other pertinent information. When this info is available, I will always list as much content as possible or include any other authentication information with the sale of the helmet.
* “private reserve”
In addition to helmet from my own collection, these are helmets on consignment from various collectors and sellers. These helmets are typically rare and highly-prized helmets which is reflected in their set price.  Depending on the collector, some of these helmets may be available for trade as well, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions!