MEARS Monthly Auction #4-ENDS Thursday, March 26th, 2009, 9:00 CST w/ 15-minute rule

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Lot #1:

Mid 1985-95 Michael Jordan Personally owned and tournament used Custom Nike Golf Tour bag – Earliest Known Example

Collectors have paid huge sums of money to own golf bags owned by JFK and Tiger Woods. Now, collectors may own Michael Jordan’s very own custom-made Nike golf tour bag. Jordan’s association with Nike is legendary, so it only makes sense his golf bag was supplied by the company. Our research also indicates this is the earliest known Michael Jordan golf bag to enter the market, and may have been issued to him during the 1985/86 season. A Jordan signed golf scorecard (lot #623), dated 1986, was also part of the Gabriel's collection. This is important as the dated scorecard and the first issuance of this design of the Nike logo correspond with the 1986 era. During the timespan of 1985-1995, the Nike logo contained both the word “NIKE” and the swoosh. According to the current consignor, Roman Gabriel III, and his wife, the bag was first noticed by the couple in 1989 and was used at their home course by Michael whenever he visited to play golf, and was used as his personal tournament bag for professional and amateur events such as the Michael Jordan Celebrity Golf Classic. Although not certain, it must likely was used by Jordan in prior golf seasons as evidenced by the use. One of Jordan’s early personally used bags. “MICHAEL JORDAN, NIKE & SWOOSH SYMBOL” is embroidered in Tarheels blue on front of bag. An additional large Nike Swoosh in the same color is found on both ends. The zipper heads have been factory swapped with the letter M for Michael. The bag shows even consistent use, with no signs of abuse. From the personal collection of Roman Gabriel III with his signed letter on personal stationary included. To the high bidder, a photograph of Michael Jordan and Roman Gabriel III taken after a round of golf will accompany this lot. Attached image shows Roman's son with the bag in the background while playing a few rounds with Michael Jordan. Minimum Bid: $2500