Lot # 2995: Circa 1891 John Morrill Football Nose Guard

Presented is an example of the John Morrill patented football nose guard, one of the earliest forms of personal protective equipment used on the American gridiron. Patented in 1891 by Boston sporting-goods manager and formal professional baseball player, John Morrill, this distinctive device represents a crucial step in the evolution of football safety equipment. Constructed of hard rubber with breathing slots and adjustable head straps, this model reflects the practical ingenuity of the patented design, intended to shield players’ noses and teeth from the brutal, close-contact play of the era. The offered example retains excellent structural integrity, showing moderate wear. While Morrill nose guards are rare, in fact, this is only the second time REA has offered an example, the others we have seen do not have black head straps, leading us to believe the strap on this example may not be original to the piece. The embossed patent information, displayed near the top of the front, remains legible. Additionally, "John F. Morrill Boston" can be seen on the inside of the nose guard. An illegible name or initials have been etched into the top portion of the inside of the piece. This would be a worthy addition to any advanced football, sporting-equipment, or Americana collection. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.