The Browns introduced a new style jersey for the 1952 season, one in which they again adopted in 1953 before moving to Baltimore in 1954. The offered example is an all original jersey of the style that was eventually adopted for use but with some subtle differences. The spacial relationship on the front of the jersey with respect to the lettering of St. Louis and the placement of the buttons does not match any photographs of the actual jersey as worn by the Browns in 1952. This study includes other 1952 jerseys as well. In addition, the jersey does not have any supplemental player identification such as the normally found strip tag with name applied. The only identifier is the uniform number 33 (Bob Cain) While the jersey appears to be all original with no alterations and appears to be of the proper vintage, there is no wear on the jersey. The letters, numbers and Brownie patch appear original and there is browning and age cracking on the reverse showing its age so everything about the jersey points to an all original vintage Browns jersey. Since there is no player identification nor any wear or photographs to support the use of this jersey by the Browns in 1952, the reason for it's existance has to be as a proto type or sample on which the jersey's that were actually worn were constructed of the same style. This includes the script Browns on the front, Brownie patch on the sleeve and #33 on back. We think that the title of proto type or sample is appropriate. Given the fact that we have not seen or examined a single all original 1952 Browns jersey (MEARS did grade a 1952 Browns Wilson Home A1) , even a proto type would be one heck of an addition to a Browns or jersey collection. (MEARS has examined a 1949 and a 1951 Browns jersey, both of which were made by Rawlings).
Team: St. Louis Browns
Year: 1952, 52 stitched in brown on tail
Jersey style: Road
Material: Gray Flannel
Mfg:Rawlings
Button/Zipper: Buttons (7)
Tagging Era:1948-55
Size:44
Size Tag: Box tag in collar
Chest:25"
Torso:33"
Set:NA
Players Name:NA
Uniform Number:33
Correct for Player: Unknown (33 was Bob Cain)
Number Placement: Back
Number Size;
Front:NA
Back:7 5/8"
Sleeves: NA
Sleeve Patch:
Left: Brownie
Right:
Number Material:Heavy Brown Felt
Team Name Material: Heavy Brown Felt
Style Match Source: None
Autographed: NO
Alterations: None
Condition: Near Mint
Comments: No exact style match. Proto type or sample from Rawlings as issued.
MEARS auction LOA.