Back in November, I posted about purchasing a batch of vintage Buffalo Bills photographs from the Bills’ original photographer, Robert L. Smith. I recently picked up another small lot of photos from Mr. Smith, and thought you all would enjoy viewing them.
For those that do not know, Mr. Smith is selling prints from his many years as a Bills photographer. He has hundreds available, and at very reasonable prices. Additionally, Mr. Smith has told me that for those who purchase photos from him, if you mention that you saw his work on Tales from the American Football League, he will include a special free gift with your purchase.
You can find Robert L. Smith’s photos for sale at his eBay store, HERE.
Paul Costa makes a catch over the Patriots’ Ron Hall.
Tom Sestak rushes the Oilers’ George Blanda
Jack Kemp avoids Oilers’ tacklers.
Joe Namath passes over the Bills’ defense.
Dan Darragh (10) runs with the ball as Bob Kalsu (61) looks on.
Haven Moses makes a catch over Jets’ defenders.
Cookie Gilchrist shows off one of his many talents.
The Bills prior to a game against the Houston Oilers.
Jack Kemp evades the rush of Jim “Earthquake” Hunt.
Cookie Gilchrist looks for space against the Patriots.
The Bills are heading to the AFL championship game!
Jack Kemp hands off to Cookie Gilchrist.
The Bills’ defensive line takes a break – Jim Dunaway, Tom Sestak and Ron McDole
Tom Sestak puts a hit on the Raiders’ Tom Flores.
The Bills’ defense swarms their former teammate, Cookie Gilchrist.
I will be adding more of Mr. Smith’s photos to my collection over the next few months, and soon building a special gallery of his images. Remember, if you purchase some of his photos, be sure to mention Tales from the American Football League for a special gift!
Wow, these are some very cool photos. I love the Bills old helmet logo with the Buffalo standing still.
I agree with you Erik,they are great photos.I also like the old Bronco helmets, shown in the last photo.The AFL was way ahead of the NFL on many things in order to capture fan interest in competing against the NFL.Great logos, 2 point conversions,names on their uniforms,were some of the things the NFL adopted after the merger.Statues of the original owners should be on display in Canton.God bless them.
I agree Eddie, I think the old Bronco helmets are very cool.
Now, their first uniforms with the vertical striped socks, that is a different story. 🙂
I spoke to Robert, and his nephew at some collectors shows in Buffalo, nice folks..great stories..Your photo of Cookie sweeping around end..in a clean uniform..that is the sweep that led to the SHonta knowck-out I beleive..first play from scrimmage that day..Also if you can find it on line, he had a nice photo book out called a view from the lens, maybe 10 pages devoted to the AFL Bills..
I have that old Bronco helmet signed by by Frank Tripuka last july
This gallery brings back memory of so many players…Hoyle Granger, Jim Hudson and John Sample, Daryle Lamonica, Paul Maguire, Wendell Hayes, Verlon Biggs, Matt Snell, John Schmmitt…this is a big piece of AFL history.
The old unis are the best. Props to the Raiders for never changing.
Thanks for posting these Todd, the photos are stunning. If I’m not mistaken, I believe Bob Kalsu was the only professional football player killed in the Vietnam war.
The photo Tom Sestak rushes Oilers George Blanda notice that Sestak is wearing Ridell lineman cleats with the back cleats removed and replaced with a white plastic heal. It was determined that the back cleats contributed to and uptick in knee injuries and in the late 1960’s the pros and some colleges, with players that had suffered knee injury like Sestak, replaced the cleats with a single piece to help prevent further knee injury from cleats catching in the grass.
Todd, Thank you again for displaying my work, I love to see it being enjoyed. If I can help anyone find images they are looking for please do not hesitate to ask. I also still sell copies of my book that Tim mentioned.
Thanks
Bob Smith
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