Earlier this week I offered some proposed language on the concept of style matching. To highlight what I would like to MEARS do on a consistent basis, I will use jerseys that I currently own or have owned. These uniforms are Cincinnati Reds Road jerseys spanning the years 1967-1971.
What you will notice in looking at this time frame is that there are five (5) slightly different styles worn over a four (4) year period. I say four years as the Reds actually wore two different styles in 1970, changing styles in the 1970 World Series.
What I would hope to see from MEARS is that images found as part of the style matching process be used in such a manner that variations like these are identified and noted. Let’s get started.
The 1967 Reds road uniforms are a one year style and the first full sleeved uniform since 1955. They were manufactured by MacGregor. This was the last year of the Reds wearing MacGregor products and they can be identified as such by the button style. The jersey pictured is that of Lee May. One thing I truly liked about this jersey was fade difference in fabric above and below the belt line. Just thought I’d mention that as this is something I would consider a desirable trait.
A: Shows the lettering is a single color.
B: Shows how CINCINNATI should be split at the button line as well as how buttons appear within the lettering.
C: Shows the MacGregor button style.
D. Shows the numeric font style.
The 1968 Reds road uniforms are a one year style and they show a transition to Wilson products for the road jerseys.
A: Shows the lettering is now red over white. This is a change from 1967.
B: Shows the change in button style, the change in placement of the button within the lettering. This is a change from 1967.
C: Shows the numbers are also red over white and without a serif. This is a change from 1967.
The 1969 Reds road uniforms are a one year style and are also manufactured by Wilson.
A: Shows the lettering is still red over white. This is the same as 1968.
B: Shows the buttons now run through the lettering of Cincinnati. This is a change from 1968.
C: Shows the numerals are now done with a serif and in a single red color. This is different from 1968.
D: Shows the addition of the MLB 100th Anniversary patch. This is different from 1968.
The 1970 Cincinnati Reds road uniforms are a one year style and are also manufactured by Wilson.
A: Shows the lettering is still red over white. This is the same as 1969.
B: Shows the numerals are now done with a serif and in a single red color. This is same as 1969.
C: Shows there is no shoulder patch. This is different from 1969.
The road uniforms worn by the Reds in the 1970 World Series are different from the regular season uniforms and appear to be the 1971 road jerseys.
A: Shows the button spacing is different with two (2) buttons now above the CINCINNATI lettering.
B. Shows the lettering is now a single color.
I offer this information and these images for two reasons. First, to show what I consider to be an acceptable level of work with respect to style matching. Second, to offer some points of reference for details collectors can look for when looking to style match their uniforms. I realize that these days, collectors are looking to “photo match” most items they have in their collectors. I would offer that you can save yourself a lot of work by first confirming the style in some detail before moving on as “the devil is always in the details.”
As always, collect what you enjoy and enjoy what you collect.
MEARS Auth, LLC
For questions and comments on this article, please feel free to drop me a line at MEARS Auth, LLC1@aol.com