19th Century Football Sew on Jersey Quilted Shoulder Pad

Offered here is a rare 19th Century Football Shoulder Pad, designed to be sewn directly onto a player’s jersey, and featuring quilted padding for added protection during the brutally rugged early years of American football.

This remarkable survivor is a fine example of the earliest player protection, long before the advent of standardized equipment. Constructed of heavy canvas and stuffed with horse hair, this shoulder pad was made to absorb the punishing blows of a sport that, in its infancy, more closely resembled warfare than the modern gridiron game.

The condition remains excellent, with clean surfaces, strong original stitching, and all tie points and edges intact. The pad retains its original form and structure.

Early football protective equipment is scarce, and individual shoulder pads, especially those made to be sewn into a jersey, are virtually unseen in the hobby today. This piece represents an authentic connection to the birth of American football, when toughness was tested on every down and protection was rudimentary at best. Please call directly with any questions or concerns.