Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com
Offered is an ultra-rare and historically significant Navy football jersey dating to their December 2, 1961 season ending game against Army. Most advanced football uniform jersey collectors have never seen this style of jersey.
Offered shirt was worn by Edward Gill, #89, and in the accompanying YouTube video, he makes an appearance into the game, wearing this exact jersey, at the 2:24 mark.
To my knowledge, this is the first and only example of the “Beat Army” jersey to have entered the hobby making it both a rarity and of great historical importance.
Featuring the King O’Shea manufacturer tag, the MEARS database verified it is the correct style of tag for the era. The rest of the jersey information contains the size 44 box tag, and Eddie Leonard & Sons Sporting Goods tags are sewn inside tail. Number 89 is sewn to the gold durene jersey in single navy tackle twill. “Beat Army” is also spelled out on the shoulders in single navy tackle twill, and it appears as though they followed that advice en route to a 13-7 victory over their Armed Forces rivals. Heavy wear shown. Dirt is from the field that day as per our consignor, the jersey was stored for decades.
Watch footage of the game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY8dfdsPIWQ