1915 New York Yankees Game-Used Home Jersey - Earliest Known Example!

Sold For:

$55,812

Year:

1915

Auction:

2007 Spring

Lot #:

1193

Category:

-

Offered here is one of the true gems from Barry Halper"™s jersey collection: the earliest New York Yankees jersey known to exist. It is not surprising that Barry Halper would choose to keep this important jersey as he was such a great Yankees fan. This jersey dates to 1915 and features an early red and blue pinstripe style that would later evolve into the club's now trademark blue pinstripes. The cream-colored home flannel jersey features "cadet-style" collar (no sun collar) and a seven button front. A blue felt "NY" insignia, now faded to lavender, is situated on the left breast. The only tag or label present is a "Spalding" label located in the collar. The felt "NY" insignia has slightly pulled away from the original stitching (because the felt shrunk at a different rate than the main body of the garment). Other than a 4 x 4-inch piece of fabric that has been removed from the right front tail, and a small tear at the tip of the right top branch of the "Y" (in the "NY" insignia) that has been repaired along the underside by means of a blue cloth patch (does not appear to be a vintage repair), the jersey is completely original, as issued. The jersey displays moderate wear throughout. As an added note of interest, this very jersey was the subject of an extensive in-depth research report by MEARS, which used this jersey to illustrate the meticulous step-by-step identification, authentication, and grading process for early jerseys. This article is permanently archived on the MEARS website and a copy of the article accompanies. This jersey was chosen to be the subject of this extensive article precisely because it is such a remarkable and significant early rarity. Very few jerseys exist from this early era. This is by far the earliest Yankees jersey known to exist. In fact, it is the only Yankees jersey dating from the teens that is known to exist. This is an extraordinary museum-quality dead-ball era jersey from the earliest days of baseball's most celebrated franchise. Graded A6.5 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with 1 point deducted for the missing piece in the tail, 2 points deducted for the lack of positive player identification and a half point deducted for the pulling away of the felt insignia). From the Barry Halper Collection. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $2,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $55,812.50