This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/2/2015
Standing 6’6” and weighing 247 pounds, Carl Eller played left defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings infamous Purple People Eaters. Drafted in the first round, Eller began his rookie season in 1964 and ended his Vikings’ career with 130 ½ sacks, the teams most all time.
Issued as the white road, full length sleeve jersey, this purple shirt is manufactured from a knit durene material, most likely provided by Sand Knit. The ribbed collar has crew neck design, which along with the full length sleeves helps photographically supports use during the 1964-65 seasons.
To verify supplier and material, MEARS compared the jersey to the following examples previously examined:
Eller 1964-68 MEARS #305946, No tag present
80H0406
Eller 1960s, Duke Hott, Sand Knit tag and crotch piece
1964-65 Carl Eller (MEARS #312476)
Although this example and both MEARS #305946 & #312476 support the practice of Eller jerseys having the crotch piece with suppliers tag removed, the Duke Hott example still maintained its original Sand Knit tag. Comparison to other examined jersey leads this authenticator to estimate Sand Knit was the supplier of this jersey.
Dating 1964-65: Examination of the font helped determine the dating of this jersey. Note the 90 degree angle of the top of the number 1. Examination of available photos determines the following:
1964 Block (90 degree) serifed font
1965 Bock (90 degree) serifed font
1966 slant serifed font
1967 slant serifed font
1968 slant serifed font
Therefore, block serifed font was used during 1964-65, thus the dating of this jersey.
Jersey exhibits heavy game use, evenly distributed on both the front and back of the body shell.
Specifically:
Left Shoulder: One large team repair, one unrepaired hole. Heavy wear to the tackle twill “81” on the sleeve.
Both the front and reverse numerals exhibit heavy game wear.
Right Shoulder: One large area of heavy team repairs. Heavy wear to the tackle twill “81” on the sleeve.
Provenance: The shirt was obtained through a Vikings assistant with express permission from head coach Bud Grant as it was stated that this would be a birthday gift to our consignor.
Final Grade (MEARS A9): After examining manufacturer, tagging, materials, numbering, and wear, 10 base points were assigned. 1 point was subtracted for missing tag on crotch piece.