This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/30/2015
As a 20 game winner during the 1949 season, Warren Spahn was continuing to prove himself as a big league workhorse and big league winner. Spahn finished the 1949 season at 21-14 and was elected to his second all star game appearance. Offered for this lot is a very early example of a Spahn gamer. Evaluated by Dave Grob, his evaluation:
Size: Tagged as size 42 and this is the true size of the jersey. This was confirmed by both physical measurement and comparing the jersey on hand period Boston Braves Horace Partridge products in sizes 40 and 44. A size 42 is also consistent with period sizing data I have for Warren Spahn. As such, I would offer that this is an appropriate sized garment for Spahn at this point in his career.
Manufacturer: The jersey is identified as a Horace Partridge product by the manufacturer's label in the rear collar of the jersey. Horace Partridges’ association with providing uniforms to the Boston Braves extends back into the earliest part of the 20th century and confirmed by period newspaper accounts and advertisings to this effect as well. While most period Horace Partridge jerseys feature a separate flag tag denoting size, this one actually features the size “42” as part of the manufacturer’s label. While atypical, my data base does include two Boston Braves home uniforms from this year that were tagged in the same manner; those being a 1949 Vern Beckford home jersey and a 1949 Warren Spahn home jersey. The manner of applique for the supplemental tagging to denote player (Spahn) and year of issuance (49) are both done in chain stitch embroidery on a white wool blend felt. Both of these appliques are assessed as being original to the garment at the time of manufacturer and are consistent with other period Boston Braves uniforms. Once again, the previously mentioned Spahn and Bickford uniforms form the basis for comparison.
Construction: The jersey is constructed of professional grade wool blend fabric and this was confirmed by examining the body of this jersey under a digital microscope and comparing it to period on hand Horace Partridge manufactured Boston Braves products. The zipper style front is appropriate as well as are the Raglan sleeves. The jersey is without any number on the front, nor name on the back and this too is period/team appropriate. Applique for all lettering, numbering, patches and logos is with a straight stitch and this too is appropriate. The left sleeve features a correct period Boston Braves patch and this is a period original offering and not a modern replica. This is also consistent with other period Boston Braves uniforms provided by Horace Partridge. Sleeves are 5 ½” (mid elbow length) and this too is period appropriate for Spahn.
Use/Wear/Condition: The jersey shows signs of heavy use and wear. The garment is spot stained, most notably in the rear of the collar (interior and exterior). The zipper is an original Talon brand that remains fully functional. There are two fabric repairs to the garment, both localized to the right side of the collar and the upper right portion of the Raglan sleeve. These are fairly unobtrusive as they run along the press/sleeve line. The structural integrity of the garment in these areas is not compromised. The soutache that runs along the collar, placket and sleeve ends is free of any appreciable fraying and remains firmly affixed. Surface wear to the athletic felt used for the lettering and numbering is even and consistent. There is a minor fabric separation as the felt has pulled away from the anchor stitching at the base of the numeral “2” on the rear of the jersey (about ¾”). Because this separation is at the base of the numeral, it is not obvious if the jersey is laid flat. Use and wear to the War Bonnet Braves patch on the left sleeve is commensurate with the rest of the garment. The patch is assessed as being a period original offering and original to the garment at the time of manufacturer. At the time of my evaluation, there was no writing or autograph on this jersey.
Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all of the characteristics you would expect to see in uniform manufactured in 1949 by Horace Partridge for use and wear by Warren Spahn. It is assessed as being all original and free of any signs of alteration or contrived applications, use or wear.
The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted. I found this reason to deduct points:
Category 5: - 1 for fabrics repairs (collar and sleeve).
Category 5: -.5 tears or fabric separations in the wool felt fabric on the base of the numeral “2”
Category 5: - 1.5 for soling and staining.
Final Grade for jersey bearing hologram # 314417 is A7.
Dave Grob
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS