Auction Item Details
Lot 362
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 362
Description: Scarce "ECL" baseball athletic sweater attributed to the Eastern Colored League c.1923-1928. Beginning in 1923 as a result of a split from the Negro National League by the Hilldale Club and the Bacharach Giants the Eastern Colored League was formed with the help of noted promoter Nat Strong. The league lasted for several years serving as a viable East Coast alternative and served in part to the inaugural 1924 Negro League World Series played in Kansas City. In 1928 the league disbanded due mostly to team and player dissension. Offered is an incredible relic with likely relation to the Eastern Colored League. Full size maroon pullover sweater retaining its original "ECL" applied white lettering across the front. Two button configuration at the collar area with a shawl style collar. Original manufacturer tagging remains inside the tail but is tattered from wear and although not definitive appears to present as a Stall & Dean manufacturing label. Overall condition is very fine with some expected wear to a few areas including some minor moth holes to a few spots on the "ECL" lettering. This particular garment originated from the personal collection of PGA Hall of Fame member and longtime hobbyist Ron Rolfe whom recently passed away. Mr. Rolfe was a highly regarded collector and long time client of our company who we were honored to represent in selling his collection earlier this past year. On numerous occasions Mr. Rolfe relayed the history of the offered sweater to us as having been given to him as thanks by an African American golf caddie with whom he had befriended at his country club. Rolfe stated that he had helped the man with some personal matters and in turn had been presented with the sweater which had belonged to a relative involved with the Negro Leagues in the Philadelphia area. While obviously only a personal account of the history, it is interesting to note that the several clubs including the Hilldale team were based in the Philadelphia area. Additionally, an "ECL" sweater of notable similarity is visible within the classic 1924 Negro League World Series panoramic photograph picturing the Hilldale team and the Kansas City Monarchs club. "Lambert" the trainer pictured at the far right end of the image is visible wearing a nearly identical sweater with several distinct characteristics inclusive of the two button collar formation and specific font formation of the ECL lettering. Vintage Negro League uniform pieces of importance are exceedingly scarce with the offered example believed to be a uniquely surviving specimen. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: EXEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register