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Lot # 553: 19th Century Middletown Tie-Front Baseball Uniform

Category: 19th Century

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 5 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2014 Catalog Auction",
which ran from 6/23/2014 11:45 AM to
7/25/2014 9:00 PM



One of the finest tie-front uniforms extant with only a few of these having ever been publicly offered. Earliest Spalding matching labels in the collar and period quilted original pants. Exceptional quality all-around, it is made of the finest 19th century material. This was a "high end" uniform when originally sold, therefore, there is no doubt it was used by a high-level baseball club perhaps professional. Olive brown jersey shows "Middletown" across the chest, and below is a "W" inside a circle. This appears to be almost military or fraternal in nature. Discovered in Pennsylvania, it seems likely it is the Middletown, Pennsylvania baseball team. Retains the original tie-string with metal crimped ends. The jersey measures 19" from armpit to armpit. Quilted pants carry the same Spalding label. This uniform was shown to two vintage clothing experts who, based on the cloth and features like the pants' zinc-covered buttons, suggest 19th century as opposed to 20th. The pants buttons are quite unusual and something we have not come across. They are DEFINITELY original to the uniform and are a 19th century trait. The pants' waist is size 32. The overall condition is a remarkable NRMT, making this something worth staying up for.

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