This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/1/2013
Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1972 Carlton Fisk Boston Red Sox Road Jersey
Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 43. This was confirmed both through measurement across the chest and comparing it with period on hand McAuliffe (Stall & Dean) products in sizes 42, 44, and 46. In addition, period sizing data contained in Stall & Dean team order sheets indicate that 1972 was the only year that a size 43 was ordered for Carlton Fisk. As such I would consider this to be a correct sized garment for Fisk in 1972.
Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c1969-1974 McAuliffe suppliers tag and supplemental tagging in the form of laundry instructions as well as year/set identification. 1974/75 appears to have been a transition period for McAuliffe tagging in that the outer edges become trimmed with a blue border. As such, I would consider this to be an appropriate tagged garment. (PLATES I-II)
Construction/Style: The jersey is a pullover knit design first worn by the Red Sox in 1972. While this style of uniform has been attributed to have been worn by the Red Sox sometime after the 1972 All Star Game, in reality the Red Sox debut for these knit jerseys was in fact the 1972 All Star Game in Atlanta on 25 July 1972. This makes the 1972 road knits the first knits worn by the Red Sox in 1972. Since Fisk was a member of the 1972 American League All Star team, it is possible (does not mean likely or probable) that this is the first knit jersey worn by him. (PLATES III-VIII)
Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs of moderate use and wear and this is just what I would have expected to have found in Fisk knit uniform from this period. While Fisk appeared in 131 games for the Red Sox in 1972, use and wear for this jersey would have been limited to the road games following the 1972 All Star Game as well as some spring training use in 1973. There is light soling in the shoulder area, but this is expected given the player and position. Fabric and stitch wear on the lettering and numbering is even and consistent.
Non-Grade Related Commentary: First year knit jerseys of any team are extremely desirable and collectible when they can be found in all original condition. This artifact just happens to be a first year knit worn during the season in which Carlton Fisk was the American League Rookie of the Year. As mentioned above, it may have in fact been worn by Fisk during the 1972 All Star Game as well. Since this a fairly non-descript style, imagery analysis does not permit me to provide any objective and conclusive attribution to that event though.
Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey supplied by McAuliffe in 1972 by for road use and wear by Carlton Fisk. The jersey is all original and compares favorably with period images and period on hand McAuliffe (Stall & Dean) exemplars and fabrics. It is assessed as being all original, without any apparent signs of alteration or contrived use and wear. At the time of my evaluation, there was no writing or autograph on the jersey.
The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found no reasons to deduct points.
As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313165 is A10.
Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VIII
(G0264)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS