This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/10/2006.
For a boy raised in New Jersey, there truly is only one name that signifies the most dominating linebacker of all time, or shall I say initials; L. T. ! Lawrence Taylor obviously revolutionized the game, but his stature was beyond mammoth in the area in which he claimed. In fact, with his Legendary stature also came an outstanding tradition of both NY Giants history and fans and collectors at the top of the list. With this in mind, the example of a Lawrence Taylor jersey that I would put in my collection had to be outstanding, and would be in high demand and competition, but what I would eventually find, would leave all others in it's wake and become the epitome of a Hall of Fame exhibit piece. As luck would have it, my work would lead me to an inaugural Jacksonville Jaguars team, where coincidentally Mike Perkins, the son of L.T.'s 1st NY Giant head coach was involved in his own coaching career. I can still visualize my amazement as I witnessed the 1st jersey L. T. would ever wear, bearing the name L. TAYLOR on his back for the only time, as a few games into the season, Billy Taylor, the reason for the name differentiation was traded to the NY Jets, and the name on L.T.'s jersey was forever changed to simply "TAYLOR." You can see the punishment and battle scars of the rookie's domination throughout the repairs and wear on the jersey, and the special way he inscribed his "1981 game used rookie season jersey," is the absolute final compliment. I feel confident that the NY Giant collection that will house this jersey, will truly be at the top of the mountain, and in a class all by itself! On the bottom left tail of the jersey is the "Champion" manufacturer's tag with the jersey size "L" and wash instructions on it. Attached is another tag that reads "4" Extra Length" (faded). On the front, back, and on each shoulder of the jersey is the player number "56" in white on red screen print. Across the back of the jersey is "L.TAYLOR" in white screen print on a blue name plate. The jersey is autographed on the back number with "1981 Rookie Season" added in black marker and rates a 9. The jersey shows excellent game use with extensive black marks, scratches and scrapes, especially on the shoulders and player numbers with numerous team repairs. The jersey appears to have no alterations of any kind. The autograph is accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication. Includes letter of provenance from the son of Giants Coach Ray Perkins (1979-82) explaining how he obtained the jersey from LT. Also includes photo matches and the original frame the jersey was displayed in.