1947 Brooklyn Dodgers Silk Banner (Robinson's Rookie Year)

Sold For:

$1,624

Year:

1947

Auction:

2006 Spring

Lot #:

878

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Dating from Jackie Robinson's inaugural season in the Major Leagues, this large silk banner (36 x 36 inches) commemorates the club's pennant-winning season of 1947 and was displayed at a special Dodgers banquet following their clinching the National League pennant. The banner features a center illustration of Ebbets Field and reads "Welcome Brooklyn Dodgers - 1947 National League Champions." A gold-tasseled trim lines the bottom border, while the top border features a metal grommet in each corner so that the piece can hang freely. This piece originates from the personal collection of former Dodgers pitcher Dan Bankhead. According to the Bankhead family, this piece was displayed at a restaurant in Brooklyn when the Brooklyn players attended a celebration banquet in honor of their winning the pennant in 1947. We have seen other very similar banners from later years in photographs of Dodger pennant-victory celebrations. The banner has some light soiling and creasing (the result of being folded for many years) and a light ink notation on the reverse top border reads "Carey Bros." (which is likely the name of the manufacturer of the banner). This banner is an outstanding and unique display piece celebrating the great success of the Dodgers' historic 1947 season. Overall Excellent condition. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$2,000. SOLD FOR $1,624.00