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1904 Spalding No. B
1st Gen. Flattop
1st Gen. Flattop
One of the most common styles of early football head harnesses, the flattop style first appeared in 1904 and continued to be sold through the mid-1920's. Flattop head harnessses are typically constructed of a soft, quilted leather, moleskin, or canvas body with a one-piece flat crown and independent, sewn-on ear pads.
In 1905, head harness manufacturers began adding extended flaps to the rear of their helmets to protect neck. Therefore, flattops without neck flaps typically date to before 1905, and are referred to as 1st generation flattops, and those with are 2nd generation.
In 1905, head harness manufacturers began adding extended flaps to the rear of their helmets to protect neck. Therefore, flattops without neck flaps typically date to before 1905, and are referred to as 1st generation flattops, and those with are 2nd generation.
c. 1904 1st Gen. Flattop
1914 Spalding No. 50
2nd Gen. Flattop
2nd Gen. Flattop
1904 Spalding No. C
2nd Gen. Flattop
2nd Gen. Flattop
1916 D&M No. 36B
2nd Gen. Flattop
2nd Gen. Flattop