LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Sig. Sports Collectibles II #708  / 

19987

Mid to Late 1960's Gale Sayers Game Worn Jersey

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Game Used Memorabilia Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Mid to Late 1960's Gale Sayers Game Worn Jersey
<B>Mid to Late 1960's Gale Sayers Game Worn Jersey.</B></I> Like the winds that share his first name, Gale Sayers appeared on the scene with destructive force, powerful and elusive, and then suddenly was gone. One can only speculate what might have been had not two vicious hits destroyed the ligaments in each of the superstar Bear's knees, first slowing and then ending one of the most promising careers in football. Though he was named the top halfback of the NFL's first half-century in 1969, many wondered if Sayers' short career might keep him outside the gates of Canton, but that question was answered in 1977 when Sayers became, at age thirty-four, the youngest inductee to the Football Hall of Fame.<BR><BR> Here we present an exceptional example of a jersey that would be perfectly at home on display in that museum, a road white Sayers gamer from the time when he ruled the NFL rushing world. The wear is simply outstanding, tangible evidence of the brutality of a game that would eventually take the magic out of Sayers' world class legs. These lightweight tear-away jerseys were particularly susceptible to this sort of damage, worn to minimize the detrimental effects of heat and humidity in the summer and early fall, and, to a lesser degree, the ability of tacklers to grab a firm hold. Jersey authenticator Lou Lampson notes, however, that while many of the smaller repairs on the upper jersey front, shoulders and sleeves were the result of actual game wear, the larger repairs which involve major interior reinforcement were likely due to use during the subsequent year's practice and preseason camp. It was common for Bears jerseys to be reused in this manner. Lampson does note that all repairs are consistent, match exemplars, and are team instituted.<BR><BR> Sayers' number "40" is sewn to chest, back and sleeves in navy and orange tackle twill, and it must be noted that th LOA from James Spence Authentication.e "0" digit on the right sleeve was lost to a postseason repair. Lampson points out that no Bear wore number "40" between 1962 and Sayers' arrival in 1965, and that the style of the "King O'Shea size 46" label in the tail dates from late 1963 or early 1964, so this jersey couldn't possibly be earlier. And by the time Sayers left the Bears in 1971, Bears jerseys had names on the back, which this jersey never did. In short, there is no possibility that this shirt could have belonged to anyone other than this Chicago Bears legend.<BR><BR> The jersey shows age-toning to match its game-battered condition, but still presents beautifully. While any gamer from the short and brilliant career of this superstar Bear would be cause for great celebration, an example that exhibits monumental game action such as this is nothing short of glorious. <I>LOA from Lou Lampson.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Clothing, Costumes & Jerseys (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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