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.
While the offensive line isn't quite the glory position as quarterback and running back are, games are won and lost in the trenches.
Stydahar wore this heavy duty cape when he was resting on the sidelines in those wintery games in the 1940s. Sewn in the collar is a Stu Beresford manufacturer's logo and size "L" flag tag. "13" is painted in orange on the lower right corner for identification purposes. Stydahar wore "13" from 1936-42. Others who could have worn this include: Monte Merkel (1943), Bob Snyder (1943), Jack Sweeney (1944), Frank Ramsey (1945), Thurman Garrett (1947-48). Stydahar wore #13 the longest of any of these men and his playing years with the Bears falls perfectly into the years of service of the cape. "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 our consignor, these capes originated from a former Bears staffer a few years back in Florida.
f0357
(MEARS Auction LOA)