1965 Sandy Koufax Game Used and Autographed Jersey (Many new photos)

[perezfan]

I see numerous problems with this jersey...

1. Numbers and script "Dodgers" have unexplained and significant fraying. Looks like perhaps they were removed from another jersey and applied to this one.

2. The Jersey itself appears wrong for the 1965 Dodgers. Check out the attached SCP link, which shows a 1965 Koufax Flannel with good provenance...

https://catalog.scpauctions.com/1965...-LOT27629.aspx

The SCP jersey has "RAGLAN" (or diagonally cut) sleeves. The OP's jersey has a straight-cut sleeve. Big difference... and highly unlikely that the team would use both styles during the same season.

3. Also check out the embroidered script "Koufax 65" just below the Spalding Tag. The cursive script style is much different on the SCP Jersey than on the OP's jersey.

4. The positioning of the number 32 on the back is significantly higher on the SCP jersey, than on the OP's jersey.

So it looks to me as if someone may have taken a vintage/original Spalding Home Flannel, and added the Dodgers logo and number "32" to the front and back. Considering what Koufax Flannels sell for, it would be quite a lucrative endeavor for the "restorer".

In the spirit of giving the "benefit of the doubt", I suppose there's an off- chance that the Dodgers wore different jerseys for their 1965 Spring Training (and that this could be one of those). But that possibility seems a bit remote.

I know Dave G. gets paid to give his opinion, but as Rick stated above... it would be great if he could chime in with a few quick thoughts.

[perezfan]

Heritage also featured a 1965 Koufax Home Flannel. But this one was made by Tim McAuliffe (not Spalding). It also has the correct Raglan (Diagonal) Sleeves, as appears to be the case for all mid '60s Dodgers Flannels...

The Heritage Jersey realized a similarly enormous price, so make of it what you will....

https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball-c...a/7105-82121.s


To the OP...
Given the obvious concerns with this jersey, I would recommend the following. Unbutton it, and hold it up to a bright light. Look at the number 32 on the back (from the inside) with the bright light directly behind the jersey. Do you see any evidence of prior stitching or embroidery? If so, then you've got your answer. If not, then perhaps consider sending it to either Dave Grob or Mears for further authentication. Hope this is helpful, and best of luck!

[rlevy]

Mark, in addition to all the points you specified, in general, the overall wear pattern just doesn't look consistent for a game used jersey, especially a pitcher. There doesn't appear to be wear in the neck, the wear on the numbers and the puckering in the jersey seems wrong, and the Koufax name sewn in looks almost new while the laundry tag is very worn. I agree with you that it looks like something put together to resemble a Koufax jersey If the poster holds it up to the light, they may be able to see stitch marks from where other lettering or numbers were once on the jersey.

Rick

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by rlevy

Mark, in addition to all the points you specified, in general, the overall wear pattern just doesn't look consistent for a game used jersey, especially a pitcher. There doesn't appear to be wear in the neck, the wear on the numbers and the puckering in the jersey seems wrong, and the Koufax name sewn in looks almost new while the laundry tag is very worn. I agree with you that it looks like something put together to resemble a Koufax jersey If the poster holds it up to the light, they may be able to see stitch marks from where other lettering or numbers were once on the jersey.

Rick

Great minds think alike! I edited my post about prior stitch marks as you were writing the same thing. And excellent points about the inconsistent wear patterns. Especially with regard to the Spalding tag and the embroidered name right below it.

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by rlevy

Mark, in addition to all the points you specified, in general, the overall wear pattern just doesn't look consistent for a game used jersey, especially a pitcher. There doesn't appear to be wear in the neck, the wear on the numbers and the puckering in the jersey seems wrong, and the Koufax name sewn in looks almost new while the laundry tag is very worn. I agree with you that it looks like something put together to resemble a Koufax jersey If the poster holds it up to the light, they may be able to see stitch marks from where other lettering or numbers were once on the jersey.

Rick

I just followed the link to your collection, Rick.....WOW!!!

[rlevy]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I just followed the link to your collection, Rick.....WOW!!!

Thanks Rob, can't be easy for a Giants fan to review.

Rick

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I just followed the link to your collection, Rick.....WOW!!!

I second that...

And it's quite easy for a Dodgers fan to review...

[Dave Grob]

I will chime in, but because of my contractual obligations, I am sure you will find this post disappointing as it is void of an opinion.

The sleeve style has already been mentioned as Raglan as opposed to “set-in”. This is always something to confirm with contemporary images. In most cases it is consistent across team orders, but there are exceptions (look at Gehrig in the late 1930s as compared to team mates). The next thing to look at and conform is the tagged size vs the actual size. To do this, you really should be working with period on hand products by the SAME manufacturer (yes, there are differences as these were what is known as “made to order uniforms). Next would be to take a look at the fabric quality; this is assessed by comparative analysis looking at the weave (digital microscope is ideal for this). Since this is a Dodger’s jerseys, the lettering and numbering is affixed (or should be) with a “in-line” or straight stitch. This should allow for the back of athletic felt used for these applications to be examined. Then there is the tagging, also worth looking at with both a digital microscope and UV lighting.

A nice problem free all, original Koufax jersey is a six figure uniform all day long…

Dave Grob
davegrob1@aol.com

[Sean1125]

I received the jersey in hand today. I am attaching for photos for your perusal. It looks like someone sweat a lot in this jersey! The owner found it in his fathers estate and has had it in his closet for the last 22 years. Any further wisdom or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Kindly,

Sean