Football shoulder pads dating from the early 1900s. Football shoulder pads dating from this era are rare and we cannot recall the last time we have seen an earlier example. The heavy cloth shoulder pads, with leather lacing on the front and reverse, feature a total of eight individual pieces of leather sewn on the front, reverse, and shoulders. A "Wright & Ditson" label appears on the interior. The pads display heavy wear commensurate with their age and former use, including hardened and cracked leather, and a torn side strap. An outstanding piece of equipment from the sport's earliest days.