This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2016
Broad Way Joe was the single most colorful sports personality of his time. Ali comes to mine, but he was banished from boxing in 1969 due to his refusal of induction into the US Army. Joe Namath, with his brash prediction to win Super Bowl 3, cemented his legacy and backed the boast by defeating the Baltimore Colts. MEARS is proud to offer this football gem. The professional staff of MEARS has professionally evaluated and graded this shirt. Our findings:
Physical Description: The jersey color scheme is white body shell with green sleeve stripes, numbering, and lettering of player name on plate. 3 3/4” white tackle twill numbers appear on the sleeve. The sleeve numbers are original and show no signs of alteration when examined under magnification and with a black light. Ribbed crew neck collar with straight cut tail. The style of the shirt is consistent with period images.
Numbering: Front (10”) and reverse (12”) numerals (#12) are single tackle twill that has been firmly anchored with a zig zag stitch. They are original and exhibit no signs of alteration.
“NAMATH” (2 7/8”) appears in san serif lettering in green tackle twill sewn with a zig zig stitch onto a durene nameplate.
Sleeve variations: The presence of the single green sleeve stripe with white fabric underneath is photographically documented as being worn by Namath during the era.
Dating 1970-72: The dating was determined to be within the span of 1970-73 for the following reasons: -
Dating of the Sand Knit manufacturers tag (1969-73 per the MEARS tag database) -
Inclusion of the phrase “American Football Conference” was introduced during the 1970 season, after the completion of the merging of the AFL & NFL.
Use of durene body shell can be verified through a variety of images as the style worn during the 1970-73 time span.
1973 was eliminated as a possible year of issue since period dated 1973 image show Namath on the field without the green sleeve stripe.
Manufacturer (Sand Knit): Sand Knit was verified as the correct supplier of New York Jets jerseys during the 1970-73 era. Examples used for comparison:
1. Mark Lomas
2. #44
The shirt was autographed on the reverse number 1, “to Phil, best wishes, Joe Namath”
Game Wear: Jersey exhibits heavy game wear throughout. Close examination of the body shell reveals an even, consistent compression of the fabric, caused from wear, laundry, and contact. Examination with a light table shows sweat staining permeating the body shell fabric.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): Based on the physical examination of the shirt, manufacturing, sizing review, and evaluation of game wear, this shirt was assigned the grade of MEARS A10.
(91S0299)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)