This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/5/2014
Offered is arguably the finest Larry Little Dolphins jersey to hit the market!
According to his bio on the HOF website, Larry Little, unlike many highly touted Miami Dolphins stars of the 1970s, began his career in 1967 as an unheralded free agent with the San Diego Chargers.
Just before the 1969 campaign, however, he was traded to the Dolphins and it wasn't long before the 6-1, 265-pound guard was being praised as one of the National Football League’s premier offensive linemen. A fixture at right guard during the 1970s when the Dolphins were a dominant team in pro football Little was the embodiment of the intimidating force of the famed Miami rushing attack.
A superb pass blocker, awesome on the scrimmage line and especially effective as the lead man on the powerful Dolphin sweeps, Little was named first-team All-NFL from 1971 through 1975 and again in 1977. He was also named second-team All-NFL in 1978, and All-AFC five times. Larry was selected to play in five Pro Bowls (1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975). He was named the NFL Players Association's AFC Lineman of the Year in 1970, 1971 and 1972.
Coach Don Shula called him "a real inspiration, not just for the way he performs but also for his influence on our younger players."
Issued as the teal home, this is only the 2nd Larry Little Dolphins jersey ever evaluated & graded by MEARS.
Style: Full teal mesh body shell with “V” neck. The numerals are white on orange applique, and can be found on the front, back, and sleeves. Both sleeves are striped with a white, orange, white, orange, white pattern is also applied with the same applique. The name “LITTLE” is non seriffed tackle twill on a knit nameplate. Per examination of Getty Images and the accompanying photo, MEARS was able to establish that the color scheme, mesh body shell, crew collar, sleeve length, nameplate style, and applique was correct for the Miami Dolphins from the 1973-75 era.
The nameplate, tackle twill on mesh, was correct as issued and is supported by the following examples:
MORRALL
LITTLE
KUECHENBERG
Manufacturer: Russell is the correct manufacturer for Dolphins jersey s from the 1973-75 era. The style of the Russell tag, with the alpha numeric size indicator (XXL) is consistent with the circa 1973-75 Russell tagging in the MEARS tagging database. During approximately the 1975 season, the phrase “As Worn by America’s Top Teams” was added and numeric size indicators began to appear. Other examples of mid 1970s Russell Dolphins jerseys appear in the market place and can be used to support Russell as the correct supplier:
Morrall
Little (road)
Kuechenberg
Bob Griese
Prior to the 1973 season, Wilson was the supplier of Dolphins game worn jerseys.
Size XXL: The 6’1”, 265 pound lineman wore a size XXL jersey during this time span. The following example supports this:
1970 Little, XXL (road)
Autograph: On the reverse “6” is an autograph, “Larry Little,66”.
Game Wear: Jersey exhibits moderate/heavy overall game wear. There are several contact marks to the right uniform number “6”. A repair is also in the same area. Heavy contact and transfer marks can be found on both shoulder areas, consistent with wear by an offensive lineman. Additional wear and a single team repair can be found on the front numerals.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): Based on the examination of the supplier, style, size, and degree of wear, this jersey was awarded the perfect MEARS A10 grade.
LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(58L0233)
(MEARS Auction LOA; JSA Auction Letter)