This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/31/2011
Offered for the MEARS December 2011 final sale is one extremely rare and early Bill Bradley game worn New York Knicks jacket. This is only one of two orange 1968 Knicks jacket known to survive, and the only example worn by a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Born William Warren “Dollar” Bill Bradley, this 6’5”, 205 forward excelled in both athletics and intellectual studies. In 1965 he attended Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and was drafted by the New York Knicks after his stellar career at Princeton. Between studies, Bradley won a gold medal as a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic basketball team.
After playing a shortened rookie season in 1967, Bradley committed full time to his NBA career and appeared in all 82 games with the Knicks during the 1968-69 campaign.
Based on examination to available photos and comparison to 1968 teammate Bill Hosket’s same style jacket, this item dates to the 1968-69 season.
1968-69 was a building year for the Knicks franchise. While donning this warm-up jacket, the Knicks finished 3rd in the NBA and advanced to the playoffs. They eventually lost to the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers.
Our research revealed this is the earliest Bill Bradley Knicks game worn item to enter the market. His 1969-70 game worn jersey sold for $27,500.
Manufactured by MacGregor (1969-70 circa tag), this orange, durene pullover was issued with a ¼ zipper front. Both the neck and bottom are trimmed with white, blue and orange striped ribbing. The sleeves are finished with a blue/white combination elastic trim.
The team name “KNICKS” (4”) blue on white tackle twill serif fed font is found on the front. The player’s name “BRADLEY” appears on reverse with blue on white block lettering double tackle twill font (2 ¾”).
The inside manufacturer tag, “MacGregor, size 46, made in the U.S.A.” is correct for the 1968-69 era and verified via the MEARS tagging database. To the left of the MacGregor tag is the washing instructions tag, “WASH IN LUKEWARM WATER USING MILD SOAP, LAY FLAT TO DRY”.
The style of warm up jacket has been verified using both comparison to another actual jacket, and by comparison to the following available images:
1. 1968 Knicks Team Postcard – Verifies style
2. The book, “New York Knicks by George Kalinsky”, 1996. Page 59 & 67 show jackets being worn courtside
3. Enclosed Getty Image shows 1968 team players on the court
Additionally, we were able to make a direct visual comparison to a 1968-69 circa Bill Hosket New York Knicks jacket which was identical in style. Images provided.
The jersey exhibits excellent, heavy game wear. Heavy wear and light toning is found on the collar and sleeve openings. Both the front and reverse fonts show signs of heavy use, with fraying to the anchor stitching, but no breaking. This jersey exhibits a perfect blend of heavy game use while maintaining a “near mint” appearance. A final example does not exist.
Originally gifted to the Hard Rock Café, the jersey was purchased by our consignor directly from the Hollywood Hard Rock Café. A letter from the consignor is included. Although no documentation to the exact donation is provided, it is believed to have been personally gifted by Bill Bradley himself to the Hard Rock Café for display.
One of the finest and earliest Bill Bradley pieces extant. LOA Troy Kinunen /MEARS A10