Spring 2020 - Item detail
1959 Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves Game-Used Road Jersey - Second League Batting Title - Photo Matched to Two Games by Resolution Photomatch
- Sold For:
- $90,000
- Year:
- 1959
- Auction:
- 2020 Spring
- Lot #:
- 1882
- Category:
- Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia
Milwaukee Braves road jersey worn by Hall of Fame outfielder Hank Aaron during the 1959 season. Photomatched by Resolution Photomatching and certified as "Authentic" by MEARS. Hank Aaron Milwaukee Braves jerseys are rare and have always been highly prized by collectors. This is just the second example we have ever offered and we can recall having seen only two others at auction in the past 15 years. It also has the unique provenance of originating directly from former Milwaukee Braves pitcher Carl Willey, who was a teammate of Aaron's from 1958 to 1962. Our consignor received it from Willey as a gift decades ago and it has been in his sole possession since that time. In addition to its provenance, this jersey has also been photo matched by Resolution Photomatching to one worn by Aaron on two dates in 1959, and also to one worn in an undated image. The two dated images are from May 11, 1959, and May 18, 1959. On the first date, the Braves played the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, with Aaron going 2-4 with a double and triple in the Braves' 8-1 win. On the second date, the Braves played the San Francisco Giants at Seals Stadium, with Aaron contributing a double in the Braves'4-2 win.
The gray road jersey features both the team name, "Braves," and its familiar "tomahawk logo" displayed across the chest. The number "44" appears on the left breast and reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in red-on-black felt. A Braves "screaming Indian" patch is located on the left sleeve. The name "Aaron" and the year "1959" are chain-stitched in black upon a gray strip tag in the collar. A "Wilson 40" label appears on the left front tail. The jersey is original as issued, with no alterations. Excessive wear is displayed throughout, much of it due to the manner in which it was stored by Willey (most likely unprotected in a basement or garage). The jersey displays two large tears (with material loss). One is on the lower left side and the other is under the left arm. Also evident are a number of smaller insect holes and tears. The numerous condition flaws are the reason why MEARS chose not to grade it, but simply certify it as "Authentic" 1959 represented one of Aaron's finest overall seasons. "Hammern' Hank" finished the year with a league and career-high .355 batting average, 39 home runs, 123 RBI, and league-leading totals in both hits (223) and slugging percentage (.636). Despite the obvious flaws, which can most likely be repaired, the jersey remains a rare 1950s Aaron flannel dating from the year in which he won his second and final batting title, and which can be conclusively photo matched to two specific games. LOAs from John Robinson/Resolution Photomatching and Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).
The gray road jersey features both the team name, "Braves," and its familiar "tomahawk logo" displayed across the chest. The number "44" appears on the left breast and reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in red-on-black felt. A Braves "screaming Indian" patch is located on the left sleeve. The name "Aaron" and the year "1959" are chain-stitched in black upon a gray strip tag in the collar. A "Wilson 40" label appears on the left front tail. The jersey is original as issued, with no alterations. Excessive wear is displayed throughout, much of it due to the manner in which it was stored by Willey (most likely unprotected in a basement or garage). The jersey displays two large tears (with material loss). One is on the lower left side and the other is under the left arm. Also evident are a number of smaller insect holes and tears. The numerous condition flaws are the reason why MEARS chose not to grade it, but simply certify it as "Authentic" 1959 represented one of Aaron's finest overall seasons. "Hammern' Hank" finished the year with a league and career-high .355 batting average, 39 home runs, 123 RBI, and league-leading totals in both hits (223) and slugging percentage (.636). Despite the obvious flaws, which can most likely be repaired, the jersey remains a rare 1950s Aaron flannel dating from the year in which he won his second and final batting title, and which can be conclusively photo matched to two specific games. LOAs from John Robinson/Resolution Photomatching and Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).