This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/1/2012
Dating the Jersey: The jersey is dated to the period of c1913-1914 based largely on the style of
garment. In particular the four button front and manner in which the placket is constructed. I don’t
date the jersey any earlier based on the presence of the ventilated underarm gusset. The 1913 Spalding manufacturers uniform catalog notes that this was a new feature for 1913 and one only included on its major league or Number “0” quality garments. (PLATE I)
Construction: The uniform, both jersey and pants is constructed of major league quality 8oz wool
flannel fabric. This was confirmed by comparing the fabric weave to fabric samples from the 1913
Spalding fabric sample catalog in my exemplar library. While not included with this uniform, the
sleeve ends feature button holes that would have facilitated the attachment of sleeve extensions. This is something that would have to have been specified at the time of order. The collar (sun style) and placket feature a single band of black soutache. As previously mentioned, the method of closure is a slip over, four button front.
Player Attribution: No positive or definitive specific player attribution could be made. Both the jersey and the pants feature a player’s name done with in-line embroidery, I was unable to find any record or reference to the player in question during the period of 1911-1921. My search included but was not limited to searches of the Sporting News as well as period newspapers. Search metrics included various possible spelling combinations and the words Philadelphia Athletics Baseball. (PLATE II)
Condition: Both the jersey and pants show minimal signs of use and wear. The overall condition of both can only be described as all original and spectacular for a garment bordering on being 100 years old. The only cosmetic or structural flaw is that the pants are missing a single button (bottom one) from the crotch area.
Opinion: This uniform is assessed as being made of major league quality fabric and features
manufacturers’ characteristics that point to it being a major league quality offering from the c1913- 1914 timeframe. I have no reason to question that it was not ordered by the Philadelphia Athletics for use and wear by what appears to be player that no record can be found of to date. The MEARS grading criteria allows for point to be deducted in five categories. I found these reasons to deduct points:
-4: Max deduction for little to no use.
-0: Deduction for not being able to identify the player. No points were deducted for this as I feel this is directly related to little or no use on the garment. To deduct points for this, would in my estimation, be deducting points for the same material issue twice.
As such, the final grade for this c1913-1914 Philadelphia Athletics Road uniform bearing MEARS
Hologram #312577 is A6. The pants are not graded separately, and only deemed as being authentic.
Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-II
(W0148)