Lot # 1436: Circa 1891 John Morrill Football Nose Guard with Original Straps

This is an example of John Morrill patented football nose guard, one of the earliest forms of personal protective equipment used by used on the American gridiron. Patented in 1891 by Boston Sporting Goods’ manager and formal former professional baseball player John Morrill. The device represents a step in the evolution of football safety equipment, constructed of hard rubber with breathing slots and adjustable head straps. Brutal play in that era ended in broken noses, missing teeth, and many deaths. The inside is embossed “1891.” The front is embossed “Morrill Patent Nose Mask.” The rubber has solidified over the years. Someone has etched the initials “H.F.” on either side of the front of the nose, and “PS 05” down the middle. Penn State had a team in ’05. Perhaps this belonged to a player, “H.F.”?