This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2012
This lot represents several important keys to game worn jersey collectors. First, as most advanced flannel collectors know, Ernie Banks is the third hardest 500 HR club member jersey to obtain behind Ott and Foxx. Currently there is only 1 additional known home jersey, and two road examples have entered the hobby, with one or both rumored to have been cut up by the card companies. Secondly, the 1969 Cubs hold a magical place amongst Cubs collectors, and thirdly, Ernie Banks will always be "Mr. Cub", the always enduring face of the franchise. This lot represents a very rare opportunity to own one of the finest 500 HR club jerseys extant.
Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 40. This was confirmed both through measurement
across the chest and comparing it with period on hand Wilson products in sizes 38, 40, and 42. The size is also appropriate and consistent with period sizing data. This sizing data includes contemporary heights and weight for Banks. As such I would consider this to be an appropriate sized jersey for Ernie Banks at this point in his career. (PLATE I)
Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c 1967-1973 style Wilson manufacturers tag. The jersey
also features period appropriate supplemental tagging for player (14), year (69), set # (2), and size 40). All of this has been chain stitched to a swatch of wool blend flannel material and sewn into the rear of the collar (only through the frontal fabric panel). The collar area of the garment was examined in detail to ensure that this form of supplemental tagging was not added post manufacturer. An additional year identifier can be found in the lower left front tail, just above the Wilson tag in the form of chain stitched “1969” sewn directly into the garment itself. All of this is considered to be original to the jersey and consistent with period Chicago Cubs home and road jerseys in my data base. (PLATE II)
Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of a professional grade white wool flannel blend
pinstriped fabric. Both the width of the pinstripes as well as the spacing between them is consistent with other pinstriped period Wilson major league grade fabrics in my on hand library (Twins, Phillies, and Braves). The sleeves are “Set-In” style and cut to a length of 3” or an above to mid bicep cut. This style and length of sleeve is period appropriate for Banks as confirmed by contemporary images. The left breast features an original 6 1/8” Chicago Cubs logo, constructed on a cotton twill patch. The rear numerals are an appropriate size and font style as confirmed by period images. Both sleeves feature patches that are year/period appropriate for the Chicago Cubs in 1969; this too is something that is confirmed by period images as well. (PLATES III-VII)
Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs moderate to heavy use and wear. Moderate to heavy wear is
assessed to the twill numbering as well as the anchor stitching throughout the body of the garment.
All seven of the buttons remain firmly affixed and are assessed as being original to the garment. The interior of the jersey, specifically the fabric located being the numerals “1” and “4” shows light foxing. Foxing is a textile/fabric related term used to describe a type of staining that appears as small rust like spots and typically caused by a fungus growing on or in the fabric. This is not uncommon in garments of this vintage. Since it is localized to the inside of the garment and masked from the exterior by the presence of the numerals, it has no negative impact on the cosmetic display of the jersey. Both patches on the jersey (left sleeve-“Cubbie Bear”) (right sleeve- MLB 100th Anniversary) are assessed as being period original offerings and not replicas. The 100th Anniversary patch has been restored to the jersey and this is rather obvious based on the visible stitch outline from the original application as well as the fact that the patch has been reaffixed with a fairly rough hand stitch. (PLATE VIII)
Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey manufactured in 1969 by Wilson for use and wear by Ernie Banks. With the exception of the above mentioned restored 100th Anniversary patch, the jersey is assessed as being in otherwise all original condition and free of any signs of alteration or contrived use or wear. At the time of my evaluation, the only writing on the jersey was an autograph of “Ernie Banks” inscribed on the circular Cubs logo. I offer no opinion on the authenticity of the autograph, but only note its presence at this time.
The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted,
I found this reason to deduct points:
Category 1: -.5 restored patch.
NOTE: No points were deducted for the foxing on the interior of the garment (behind the numerals)
As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #312682 is A9.5
Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VIII
(JSA Auction Letter)