A game-worn home jersey used by Hall of Famer running back Jim Brownwill be auctioned by Robert Edward Auctions. Bidding runs from July 26-August 18. Interested biddersmay participate in the auction online.
This jersey has been in our consignor's family since the 1960s and was originally obtained by his father, who was employed by the Cleveland Parks and Recreation Department. His father originally worked at League Park and then Cleveland Stadium (Cleveland Stadium was home to the Browns from 1946 to 1995). According to family lore, sometime during the 1960s his father attempted to get a football signed by members of the Browns. Since he worked there and saw them on a regular basis, all the players were happy to oblige. However, for some reason, Jim Brown, with whom he had had a friendly relationship, refused to sign the ball. Brown's refusal led to a heated argument between the two and they didn't speak for a while after that. After some time had gone by and both had "cooled down," Brown apologized to him and signed the ball. It was then that Brown presented him with one of his jerseys as a goodwill gesture.
The jersey, which is made from brown tear-away light-dureen fabric, features the number "32" on the front, reverse, and each sleeve. All numerals are appliquéd in white tackle twill. The crotch strap, which would have displayed both a "King O'Shea" label and a size tag, has been cut away (it was common for the crotch strap to be removed from game jerseys that were later used for practice). Despite the loss of the year tag (which was located on the removed crotch piece), MEARS notes in its accompanying letter that the style elements of the jersey, specifically the numbers on the sleeves, place its date of manufacture between 1961 and 1965 (1965 was Jim Brown's final season). Aside from the crotch strap having been removed, the jersey is original as issued, with no other alterations.
Bidding began at $10,000, and as of 8am Wednesday was up to $19,000.
For more info on the jersey, and if you'd like to place a bid, click here.
Photo by: Rob Carr / Getty Images
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