This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2014
Offered is a Baltimore Colts road jersey which was donned by defensive back Rick Volk during his tenure with the club in the first half of the 1970's. Originating from Toledo, Ohio, Volk played college football for the University of Michigan from 1964 to 1966 and was a member of the 1964 team that won the Big Ten Conference championship and defeated Oregon State in the 1965 Rose Bowl.
Volk played for the Colts from 1967-75, was a three time Pro Bowler, and a member of the Super V Baltimore Colts World Championship team. This is the only Rick Volk jersey ever evaluated by MEARS, and only 1 of 3 that have survived from the era to be evaluated by MEARS. A true rarity from the 1970s Baltimore Colts franchise.
Style: Jersey is the short sleeve with cuffed collar, crew collar, durene body shell. The players number is found on the sleeves, front, and reverse of jersey are single tackle twill. The players name appears in tackle twill on a nameplate. Upon an internal review, the nameplate is all original with no signs of restoration.
Manufacturer: Sand Knit. This is the 1970-73 version of the football Sand Knit tag (MEARS database), and is characterized as having three rows of washing instructions: IMPORTANT: USE MILD SOAP. WASH IN LUKEWARM WATER. DO NOT DRY IN AUTOMATIC DRYER. The tagging style of this jersey is consistent with other early 1970s jerseys that have entered the hobby. They include:
Glenn Ressler
Jerry Logan
Therefore, it is verified that Sand Knit was the correct style of tag as worn by the Baltimore Colts from 1970-73.
Supplemental tagging: Examples used for comparison show that a “Designed & Tailored exclusively for the Baltimore Colts” should be present. This jersey is missing that tag.
Game Wear. Heavy use shown with heavy puckering to all numerals. There is small tear on the bottom fron 1. There is some staining and tearing at the bottom right front tail. (64R0002)
MEARS (A8.5): Upon comparison to the 5 categories used for evaluation on the Official MEARS worksheet, 10 points were assigned for jersey matching style, manufacturer, size, and correct tagging for era. Minus 1 point for missing exclusive team tag, minus ½ for staining and holes on front. LOA Troy R. Kinunen
(64R0002)
(MEARS Auction LOA)