Auction Item Details
Lot 138
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Lot Number: 138
Description: Highly significant Baltimore Colts Certificate of Membership for Admittance into the National Football League c.1953. Born out of the original AAAFC team the Miami Seahawks was one the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL , the Baltimore Colts. So named -Colts+ after the city+s long history for horse racing and breeding the new Colts franchise entered the National Football League in 1950. After a difficult season and financial turmoil amongst the ownership the team folded but was reborn just a short few years later in 1953. The Baltimore Colts franchise grew to become one of the most respected in the League through their years in Baltimore (1953-83) and subsequently in Indianapolis up until the present. Names such as Unitas, Berry, Ameche, Smith, Wayne, and Manning are just a few among the countless players who have donned the blue and white of the Colts during their franchise history to which the offered certificate confirms its origins. The certificate itself measures 12+x13+ of a heavy stock with beautifully stenciled lettering having hand colored appointments and gilt decoration within the lettering. Titled at the top with +The National Football League+ Old English style font positioned above an early style -NFL+ shield logo. Content of the certificate confirms the acceptance of the Baltimore Football Inc. club into the NFL under its bylaws Co and rules. Signed at the lower right corner by NFL Commissioner Bert Bell in black fountain pen rating 7 out of 10. The piece has had some professional restoration primarily to the lower left corner area to address some surface toning and some areas of abrasion. Some of the lettering in this same area has been enhanced as well. Overall display qualities remain very attractive with special note to the hand colored detail. To the best of our knowledge the offered exemplar is one of only a scant few known to exist. Incredibly scarce and important NFL related display piece from one of the premier teams in League history: VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($20,000-$40,000)
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