This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/1/2015
The 1936 Green Bay Packers season was their 16th season in the National Football League. The club posted a 10–1–1 record under coach Curly Lambeau, earning them a first-place finish in the NFL's Western Division.
The Packers finished the season with a win over the Boston Redskins 21–6 in the NFL Championship game. This was the Packers' fourth NFL Championship, first earned by playoff victory, and first since the three-championship streak ended in 1931.
For this auction, MEARS is offering a very rare team signed football with the entire list of names consisting of members of the 1936 World Championship Green Bay Packers team. Truly rare, this historic item is the cornerstone to any advance Packers collection.
The football is very complete, with a near perfect blend of key signatures, HOFers, and rare examples.
Left side of football contains the following vintage fountain pen black ink signatures: Ernie Smith, Don Hutson, George Svendsen, Herm Schneidman, Bernie Scherer, Paul Miller, Milt Gantenbein, Bob Monnett, Lon Evans, George Sauer, Swede Johnston, Hank Bruder.
Across the front written in the same style pen is, “Green Bay Packers, World Champions”. Although 1936 is written, on the next panel appears, “Pete Smith Sports Shop, Loyola Field, Los Angeles, Calif., Feb 1st – Feb. 20, 1937”. It appears this is whom the ball was originally gifted to. With a 1937 date, the ball refers to the 1936 World Championship season and the names are 100% consistent with that season’s roster.
The next row contains the signatures of: Curly Lambeau, Red Smith, Chas Clarke (director), Tony Paukekas, Tiny Engebretsen, Russ Letlow, Joe Laws, Ade Scwammel, Clarke Hinkle, Wayland Becker, Cal Clemens, Walter Kiesling, Arnie Herber, Frank Butler, Champ Seibold, and Lou Gordon. Absent is Johnny Blood McNally.
The entire surface of the football exhibits signs of cracking. The signature remains quite legible and most can be read at arms length. A truly history ball from the 1936 World Championship Season. Full JSA Letter.