This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2025
On October 15th, 1989, Wayne Gretzky scored a goal (1,850) against the Edmonton Oilers on the road to become NHL’s all time leading scorer. During this season 1989-1990 season, Wayne Gretzky became the greatest hockey player of all time. He led the league in scoring this year, winning the Art Ross Trophy for the 8th time. This shirt was worn during home games as Gretzky moved to cement his GOAT status.
During the 1989-90 season, our consignor’s uncle was personally gifted this shirt after a game in the lockeroom by Gretzky. According to our consignor, his uncle attended several games featuring Gretzky, and they became personally acquainted. The relationship resulted into an invitation into the lockeroom after a game, where Gretzky removed his game worn jersey, signed it, and presented it as a gift.
The style of the shirt, white home with black and silver metered v neck collar, Kings Crown logo on front, silver with black Captain “C” on upper left chest, white on silver double tackle twill “99”s on each sleeve, with matching style “GRETZKY” and “99” on reverse. 28” chest measurement consistent with other examples which have entered the hobby.
With respect to size, this shirt is consistent with numerous period Wayne Gretzky shirts which have entered the hobby. Gretzy shirts, many selling in excess of 6 figures, were found with no size notation. Other examples had size 52 noted. This shirt has (48) hand written on the manufacturer’s tag, but is not the actual shirt size. Examples of Gretzky shirts examined by MEARS include:
1983 Gretzky (MEARS #322067) chest 26”, torso 31”, tagged XL
1986 Gretzky (MEARS #315602) chest 25”, torso 32”, tagged XL
1987 Gretzky (MEARS #315200) chest 24”, torso 30”, tagged XL
1990 Gretzky (MEARS #315118) chest 26”, torso 30”, size 52 (All Star Jersey)
1990 Gretzky (MEARS #313345) chest 27”, torso 31”, size 54
This shirt measures 28” across the chest, 31” torso which is consistent with documented Gretzky shirts from the era.
Sleeves have custom hems.
Imagery analysis: When comparing the shirt to known period photos, the style of the shirt, “V” neck, placement and design of the team logo, placement of the Captain’s C”, and specific placement of player name “GRETZKY” on reverse compare favorable to period images.
The captain’s “C” was found both close and spaced farther apart to the right edge of the team logo. This is the farther spaced style as supported by period images (see graphic).
The name on reverse was seen on period images with “GRETZKY” sewn within (inside style) of the reverse “99” s, and placed outside of the “99”’s. This version was the inside style (see graphic).
Supplied by Maska, numerous 1989-1990 Los Angeles Kings shirts have entered the hobby matching the style and supplier of this examined shirt. Size 48 is handwritten on the tag.
Game wear is evidenced by sweat stains and blood clearly visible on the front of the shirt. Shirt has been personally autographed by Wayne Gretzky to the left of the Captain C patch in black marker which has been authenticated by JSA and will include a JSA Auction LOA. 6 distinct blood like splotches are located below the team crest. 12 additional stains are found on right sleeve near the opening.
Numerous examples of Gretzky shirts have entered the hobby with fight strap remove. This example has an intact fight strap showing signs of visible use. Documented examples of intact fight straps have entered the hobby. Following examples to support present of fight strap:
1991-92 Wayne Gretzky Game Worn & Signed Los Angeles Kings Jersey -- Photo Matched to Undated Image vs. Blues (Meigray LOA), Heritage Auctions, 2025.
1989-1990 Wayne Gretzky Los Angeles Kings Game Used & Signed Road Jersey (Impeccable Provenance, legendary hockey photographer Denis Brodeur. Incredible Use, JSA), Infinite Auctions, 2016
Fresh to the hobby with provenance, this shirt is a must have for advance collectors of Hockey original “The Great One”.
MEARS A10/JSA Auction Letter. (03B0030)
(JSA Auction Letter)