What's old is new again for New Era.
The hat company recently unveiled helmet caps, a tribute to hats that looked like helmets that were popularized in the 1980s, but have not had a large-scale remake since fading off three decades ago.
In 1980, hat maker Louisville Manufacturing Co. (LMC) came up with the idea of putting NFL helmet designs on hats. They sold them to auto replacement part company Echelon, who used it as a promotion. With a proof of purchase and $4.99, fans could get a helmet cap of any team.
In 1980, LMC brought them to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had won four titles in six seasons, and got exposure for them. From there, American Needle made it for the masses for most of the '80s at a retail cost of $5. Today, the original versions in good condition can sell for $100 or more.
The much higher-quality new versions are being sold by New Era on its website for $45.
Darren Rovell is the founder of cllct.com and one of the country's leading reporters on the collectible market. He previously worked for ESPN, CNBC and The Action Network.