This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/7/2020
NOTE: June 3rd, 1920 - The receipt from the purchase of this lot has been found and added to this description. The Auction was originally noted as the American Cancer Society, in fact it was the American Heart Association.
This lot was consigned to MEARS Auctions by the same owner of the 1991 Michael Jordan autographed game worn playoff shoes found in this auction. Shortly after the 1991 season, both the shoes and this jersey were donated by the Chicago Bulls to the American Cancer Society Auction where it was purchased by our consignor. It has remained in his collection ever since and this is the first time it has ever been offered for public sale. The 1990-1991 timeframe marked Michael Jordan’s 2nd MVP season and was the style of shirt worn during his very first World Championship season run.
The shirt has been professional review by MEARS. Our results:
Style: Jersey is issued as the home white mesh pull over. The neck and arm openings are trimmed with red/black/white/black/red ribbing. The NBA logo is found on the left upper chest which became league mandated during the 1986 season. The team name “BULLS”, “23” front/reverse, and “JORDAN” is applied directly on the reverse of the jersey in block letter red applique.
Supplier (Champion): The style of the Champion tag dates to the 1990-91 season (courtesy of the MEARS Tagging Database). Champion was the correct supplier of 1990-91 Chicago Bulls jerseys. The 100% Nylon interior tag is sewn inside. The history of the Chicago Bulls jerseys during the era was:
1984-85 (Rawlings)
1985-96 (Rawlings)
1986-87 (Sand Knit) No Year Tag
1987-88 (Sand Knit)
1988-89 (Sand Knit)
1989-90 (Sand Knit)
1990-91 (Champion) No Year Tag
1991-92 (Champion)
1992-93 (Champion)
1993-94 (Champion)
1994-95 (Champion)
1995-96 (Champion)
1996-97 (Champion)
1997-98 (Nike)
This 1990-91 Chicago Bulls home shirt was the team’s first year wearing Champion supplied jerseys after switching from Sand Knit. Other examples of 1990-91 Bulls Champion jerseys include:
1990-91, Jordan, Champion, (MEARS database, 2006)
1990-91, Jordan, Champion, (MEARS database) – Road
1990-91, Jordan, Champion, (MEARS database) - Home
1990-91, Jordan, Champion, (MEARS #313868)
Therefore, Champion was the correct supplier of 1990-91 Chicago Bulls jerseys.
Size 46: Printed on the Champion manufacturers tag is the size 46. Actual chest measurement verifies that the jersey does indeed match the tagged size. Jordan was verified as wearing size 44 during the 1984-1990 time frame. During 1990, he switched to size 46.
Jordan Sizing
1984-85: 42, 44
1985-86: 44
1986-87: 44
1987-88: 44
1987-88: 42 (Promotional Use Only)
1988-89: 44
1988-89: 42 (Promotional Use Only)
1989-90: 44
1990-91: 44, 46
1991-92: 46
1992-93: 46
1993-94: DNP
1994-95: 46
1995-1996: 46
1996-97: 46
1997-98: 48,50
Game Wear: Jersey exhibits moderate but very noticeable game wear. There is yellow discoloration consistent with sweat near the arm openings, and the tags shows solid puckering.
Supplemental Tagging: An interior tag is printed, 3” Extra Length and 100% Nylon.
Provenance: A letter from the consignor stating this shirt was obtained after the 1991 season at a Chicago Area American Heart Society auction and the original receipt will accompany this lot.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): The shirt is consistent with all of the manufacturing, sizing, provenance, and wear characteristics.
JSA has authenticated the autograph and their auction LOA will accompany this lot.