This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/1/2012
Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 42. This was confirmed both through measurement
across the chest and comparing it with period on hand Rawlings products in sizes 40, 42, and 44. The
1974 New York Mets Yearbook lists Grote at 5’, 11”, 190 lbs. My data base includes a 1973 Jerry Grote Mets road jersey also in a size 42. As such I would consider this to be an appropriate sized jersey for Jerry Grote at this point in his career.
Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c1972-1984 Rawlings tag that specifies cold water
laundering. Featured is also supplemental tagging in the collar of “42 (size) 1974 (year) and 15 (player #)”. All of this affixed to a twill swatch that has only been sewn through the first fold of the collar. The structural integrity of the collar area has not been compromised, as such this supplemental tagging is assessed as being original to the garment. Examples from 1974 can be found with the year designated as either “1974” or simply “74”. My data base includes a 1974 New York Mets road jersey of Cleon Jones that is constructed in the “1974” manner. That Jones jersey, like this one, is without a year/set flag tag affixed to the Rawlings tag in the tail. As such, I would consider the tagging to appropriate by year, team, and manufacturer.
Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of 100% synthetic fabrics. Based on comparisons with
period on hand Rawlings professional sample uniforms (material content specified), this would be
consistent with a 95% polyester/5% nylon blend as opposed to the 60% nylon/40% cotton blend
Rawlings introduced in 1970 and this is considered period, team, and manufacturer appropriate. During this period, you will also find evidence that Goodman and Sons provided road uniforms to the New York Mets. Those are most easily distinguished from the Rawlings products by the soutache that adorns the collar and placket area. The Rawlings soutache is a narrow 3mm while to Goodman & Sons products feature a wider 8mm fabric. There are also differences in the font styles as well. Both the Rawlings and Goodman products feature set-in sleeves and button array of three buttons above the lettering. All of this was found appropriate for this garment by year, team, and manufacturer.
Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs moderate use and wear. Moderate wear is assessed to the twill
lettering and numbering as well as the anchor stitching throughout the body of the garment. The jersey is without any signs of significant soiling or staining. All lettering and numbering are assessed as being original to the uniform. The only writing on the jersey at the time of my inspection/evaluation was a faint “M” recorded in the collar in what appears to be vintage marker.
Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in jersey manufactured in 1974 by Rawlings for use and wear by Jerry Grote. The jersey is all original and compares favorably with period images and period on hand Rawlings exemplars and fabrics. It is
assessed as being all original, without any apparent signs of alteration or contrived use and wear.
The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found the following reason to deduct points,
-.5 light soiling and the presence of the “M”
As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #312559 is A9.5
Dave Grob
MEARS
In addition to the offered jersey a pair of 1974 home New York Mets pants are also included in this lot. They contain a Rawlings size 32 tag, a strip tag sewn into the waist reading "33 24 74 45" and "Howard" written in black marker on the interior of the rear left pocket.
(W0405)