This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/4/2015
Autographs, no problem. Jerseys, sure if you have the financial resources. Bats, patience will get you almost anyone you want. Documented game worn baseball gloves, well, that is another story.
Since the beginning of their use by baseball players, the glove is player’s most personal and prized possession. Some players are noted to have used just one glove for their entire career. Some would change after just one season, but regardless, with players averaging 4 uniforms per season, 40+ bats, 12 or more caps, no matter how you cut it, game worn gloves are simply rare.
For this lot, MEARS Auctions proudly presents this 1953-58 circa Eddie Mathews Milwaukee Braves Autographed Professional Model Game Worn Glove, complete with provenance from Greg Norvik, the little boy Eddie Mathews gifted the glove to during the 1958 season. On October 12, 1994, Eddie Mathews personally reviewed the glove, remembered Greg, and signed a letter of authenticity stating the glove was a gift for Greg during the 1958 season.
Provenance, Game Wear, Documented 41 written on middle finger, Authentic Autograph, Player Letter, this game worn Eddie Mathews glove is one of the finest examples known! A true cornerstone to any Milwaukee Brave, Eddie Mathews, or 500 HR club collection.
Supplier (Rawlings): Rawlings was a supplier of professional model gloves to the professional baseball players of the era. It is documented via surviving photos that Eddie Mathews wore Rawlings glove similar to this model bearing the red Rawlings square wrist patch during the 1950s and the same pocket design of this examined glove.
Model (Bob Dillinger): It is well documented that Eddie Mathews preferred the Bob Dillinger model glove during his playing career with the Milwaukee Braves during the 1950s. Three examples of his game worn glove have entered the hobby having originally originated in Milwaukee. All three examples contained provenance providing a chain of custody back to Eddie Mathews. The three known gloves include:
Eddie Mathews, Bob Dillinger Model, Ray Jackson Provenance
Eddie Mathews, Bob Dillinger Model, Wally Rank Provenance
Eddie Mathews, Bob Dillinger Model, Greg Norvik Provenance
Any and all of the gloves may have been used by Eddie Mathews during any portion of the 1950s and/or 1957 season. Recent research suggests that the Wally Rank example most likely resembles the glove worn by Eddie Mathews in the 1957 World Series. This fact is supported by available images, provenance, and Wally Rank’s personal recollection. It is my professional belief that all three gloves were indeed own, worn, and gifted by Eddie Mathews during the 1953-58 era while playing for the Milwaukee Braves. Finally, the fact that just three gloves are known to have survived when compared to the dozens of bats and multiple jerseys that are documented to have entered the hobby, Eddie Mathews game worn gloves are exceptionally rare, and this example is superb in every facet.
Date (1957 circa): A review of the Rawlings Sporting Goods Dealer catalogs documents the fact that the Bob Dillinger model glove was issued by the company from 1950-58. This model would have been available for Mathews to wear during the 1950s and 1957/1958.
Description of the Glove: This thick leather "Rawlings" Bob Dillinger signature model fielder's glove features stampings of "CUSTOM Bilt" and "DEEP WELL POCKET. The "SNUGGER ADJUSTMENT" wrist backing bears a "Rawlings" manufacturer's tag, a button and a pair of leather cords to facilitate proper fit. Mathews' black-marker signature ("9-10") and inscription of "11/28/94" are situated on the outer thumb.
Mathews has added the notation of "1957 W.S. Glove" on the back of the last finger, but this statement cannot be substantiated and upon review of available images, MEARS does not feel this was his World Series glove, but we are confident to state it was one of his game worn glove, and a favorite judging by the heavy degree of game wear.
Player Trait: A faded, perfectly executed and equally worn 41 is applied in black marker on the outer middle finger. Upon review, it is the opinion of MEARS that the 41 is period and original and applied during the time Mathews would have worn the glove during the 1950s.
Game Wear: The glove is well worn, with special concentration of use in the pocket and heal of the glove. An even patina, formed from the combination of use, dirt, sweat, etc., cover the tan leather of the glove. With all of its wear, the factory stampings are all readable. A perfect example of optimal game wear.
Supporting the provenance, a faded black-marker inscription of "G.Norvik" appears on the wrist backing. Norvik was the recipient of this glove in the County Stadium dugout prior to a 1958 Braves game. Additionally, a letter dated October 12, 1994, accompanies the glove which reads, “I, Eddie Mathews, did in fact give this game glove to Greg Norvik during the 1958 season. I used this glove during the 1957 season through the World Series. Signed Eddie Mathews. The autograph was witnessed by MEARS president Troy R. Kinunen, and noted on the letter. Mr. Kinunen was at the book signing where Mathews signed the glove and served as the witness of record. Additionally, a hand written note accompanies this glove. It is entirely in Eddie Mathews hand writing and reads, “This is to verify that this baseball glove was given to Greg Norvik by me. Signed 3/8/89, Eddie Mathews”. The staff of both PSA/DNA & JSA have examined the glove and issued letters of authenticity to verify the authenticity of the autographs, writing, and inscriptions.
It is important to note that Mr. Norvik was a Milwaukee resident, so the glove had remained within miles of County Stadium until the date of the original sale of the glove in October 1994.
Finally, a letter from Greg Norvik, dated October 5th, 1994, written to Eddie Mathews and signed by Mr. Norvik accompanies this lot. The letter attests that his father new Eddie Mathews and helped facilitate the acquisition of the glove.
After speaking with Mr. Norvik and the recollection of the glove being gift to him by Eddie Mathews, MEARS is confident to state that this was indeed an Eddie Mathews game worn glove worn by him during the 1950s.
Conclusion: Based on a thorough examination of the glove which determined it is all original, matches model worn during the 1950-58 era, has visible player identification, 41, on outer finger, displays, heavy optimal game wear, and comes with provenance from both the player which matches his name which was applied immediately after receiving the glove I 1958, MEARS is confident to state this is one of the finest game worn Eddie Mathews gloves to survive. For collectors looking for a rare game worn glove of fan favorite Eddie Mathews, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a true hobby icon.
Final Grade: MEARS Authentic, MEARS #302391.
(73A0216)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)