This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2011
Football game wore treasures from the 1940s and earlier are almost non-existent. Basically, teams wore their jerseys and all equipment until they fell off the player. Jerseys were repaired and recycled year after year until they were ready for the insinuator.
The Chicago Bears have been around the NFL since its beginning. In fact, Papa Bear George Halas was a founding father of the league. It is common knowledge, that Halas saved money every way he could.
This size "L" cape was worn by #28 for Chicago in the 1940s and '50s. Possible men who wore it include: Gust Zarnas (1938), Chet Chesney (1939-40), Bob Steuber (1942-43), Lloyd Lowe (1953-54) or Willie Galimore. Because the capes were worn for a long time, any one of these guys could have worn it.
The jacket shows decent overall use. Sewn in the collar is a Stu Beresford manufacturer's logo and size "L" flag tag. "28" is painted in orange on the lower right corner for identification purposes. "BEARS" is expressed across the back in single-color orange. This has been restored and added as the Bears took off the original NOB.
According to consignor this originated from a former Bears staffer in Florida a number of years ago. To our knowledge no other Bears capes from this time period have ever been offered.
Overall a Canton worthy display piece.
f0358
(MEARS Auction LOA)