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Lot # 1130: Very Rare Circa 1971 Cleveland Indians Pillbox Cap

Category: Cleveland Indians

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 10 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2024 Summer Classic",
which ran from 6/9/2024 12:00 PM to
6/29/2024 10:00 PM



Offered here is the rarest of all postwar Cleveland Indians caps: a pillbox style used for just a short period of time during spring training in 1971. This is not only the first example we have ever offered, but the first we have ever seen in person. To the best of our knowledge, this pillbox cap was an experimental style that was worn by the Cleveland players for several games during spring training in 1971. Apparently, the club chose not to switch to the pillbox caps for the regular season and the style was quickly retired. We do not know how many of these caps have survived, but given their extreme rarity it seems safe to say that the number is quite low. The design of the red wool cap features three navy bands running parallel to each other around the top. The club's "C" logo appears on the front and the brim is navy. Located on the leather headband are a New Era label and a 7 1/4 size tag. The number 36 is written in black marker on the underside of the brim. Although the hat is not accompanied by any player provenance, research indicates that pitcher Camilo Pascual wore number 36 for the Indians in 1971. The hat displays light use, including a few very small exterior blemishes and insect holes.

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