Having just completed my 1915-20 uniform, I wanted one of those giant coats or sweaters the players wore. Here's a letter sweater from the teens or '20s, similar to what the ML'ers wore. Note that it's erroneously labeled '40s or '50s - anyone know the dead giveaway?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3953997064&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

Looks like a teens or 20's but I'm stumped on the dead give away. I'll guess the buttons. They look like more of the Pearl variety common from the earlier era, but Pearl buttons were still used in the 40s. The Columbia seal/crest, while different than today's crest, could also be 20s or 40s. So, Ok...I give up..do tell.

I've never seen the shell buttons on clothing later than the '20s - that's how I made the date determination.

I did some research last month on MOP(Mother of Pearl)shell buttons to better understand how I can use them as an indication of age. I learned that while MOP buttons were quite the fashion rage and popular from the late 19th century to the first part of the 20th century, they were commonly used in clothing throughout the 20th century up until today. Today they are more for high fashion clothing and accessories.

As far as sports clothing and jerseys it is true that their popularity diminished after the 20s in place of more durable and cheaper alternatives. As far as letterman's sweaters I have seen some examples with MOPs from the 40s. The MOPs on your sweater are the big size, 1 - 1/2''. Vintage big MOPS are highly in demand today. On a high quality and expensive Ivy League sweater from the 40s, it would not suprise me to see high quality MOPs.

Regardless, all that being said, I think your sweater is from the 20s. It looks great and I can't imagine findng a better example for your period display. It will fit in perfectly.

So I'm guessing this is a 1921 sophomore sweater that belonged to Lou Gehrig.

Let me make sure I understand the procedure correctly - all I have to do now is call the "right" authenticator to get my LOA printed up, then it's on it's way to Mastro Ha ha...I'm rich!!! (evil laugh)

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/mipakaco-photos/exlougehcolu.html

I can see the "Gehrig" stiched in the collar..can't you? Look harder. LOL

...another even eviler laugh.

But I think we are getting the picture as to how people get screwed in the seemingly safe major auctions. Provenance is a must.

Grey Flannel says Gehrig wore this sweater after he hit his first college homerun and on the day he signed with the Yankees. Also included is an impeccable source of provenance. Oh yeah, Gehrig was known as "The Iron Horse" and he's in the Baseball Hall of Fame...it's in Cooperstown, NY....