This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/21/2017.
The historic Army Navy football rivalry dates back to 1890. The game has always had inter-service "bragging rights" at stake. For much of the first half of the 20th century, both Army and Navy were often national powers, and the game occasionally had national championship implications. In the 1961 contest, President John F. Kennedy did the coin toss honors in front of more than 100,000 fans. For a five year stretch from 1959-63 against Army in which Navy won all five games, the Midshipmen made custom jerseys with slogans on them referencing how they would beat their biggest rival. This particular year, on the shoulders of the Navy jerseys read “BEAT ARMY”. Offered is a historic jersey from that 1961 game worn by Navy wide receiver Edward Gill. On the inside rear left tail of the gold durene jersey is the King O’Shea manufacturer’s tag. Adjacent is a size “44” tag. On the inside rear right tail is the Eddie Leonard distributor’s tag. On the right shoulder reads “BEAT” and on the left shoulder reads “ARMY”. Across the front and on the back is the player number “89”. All numbering and lettering is done in navy blue tackle twill. On the sleeves are three navy blue stripes. Truly a one of a kind piece from college football's oldest rivalry. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use.