A true gem for baseball enthusiasts, a rare grey flannel jersey worn by the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson during his playing days with the Washington Senators from 1919 to 1922 is ready to make waves in the auction world. This remarkable piece of sports memorabilia, only one of two known to exist, carries with it a rich history that traces back to Johnson's teammate, Eric “Swat” Erickson, adding a layer of depth to its already fascinating story.
Having made its debut in the collectors' market almost two decades ago, the jersey has a provenance that is hard to come by, having been previously owned by none other than Eric "Swat" Erickson himself. Directly from Erickson's personal collection, this jersey is a tangible link to the golden era of baseball, evoking memories of Johnson's stellar career achievements on the field. With an impressive record of 3,508 strikeouts and 110 shutouts, Johnson remains an iconic figure in the annals of baseball history, etching his name among the sport's elite.
The authenticity and historical significance of the jersey are further underscored by its A10 rating from MEARS, a respected sports memorabilia authentication company. Additionally, a letter from esteemed authenticator Dave Grob accompanies the jersey, solidifying its provenance and adding to its allure. Despite showing minor signs of wear and rust from years of storage, the jersey's historical value remains intact, serving as a tangible connection to a bygone era in baseball.
When the jersey was last sold for the impressive sum of $352,000 in 2006, it was already a coveted item among collectors and aficionados. However, as it prepares to go under the hammer once again, experts anticipate that the bidding war for this historic piece will far surpass its previous sale price, with projected estimates exceeding an eye-popping $3 million. Should these predictions hold true, the auction of Walter Johnson's jersey is poised to set a new record in the world of sports memorabilia sales, cementing its status as a truly priceless artifact from the golden age of baseball.
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