Fittingly, lot #1 of the MEARS February 25th-28th, 2012 Auction is written as, 1977 Pete Maravich New Orleans Jazz Game Worn Warm Up Jacket – Obtained April 10th, 1977 Final Game of Season (MEARS LOA) ”45-Point Game Performance”. Purple. Yellow. Green. White. Although it’s pretty hard to fashionably combine those colors, on the back of Pistol Pete Maravich, these colors form a true collector’s rainbow. And like searching Leprechauns, this ultra rare 1977 New Orleans Jazz jacket can be your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
On April 10th, 1977, our lucky consignor was a contestant of a half time contest sponsored by the Jazz. When the dust cleared, he was the owner of this three color with white trim Maravich Jazz jacket. Manufactured by Sand Knit, the “Designed & Tailored Exclusively for the New Orleans Jazz, Medalist, Sandknit” is found in the collar. The tag is intact, but the right edge of the stitching has pulled away.
To the right of the manufacturers tag is Maravich’s uniform number 7 identifier, screen printed on a square swatch (zig zag stitching). The style is 7 snap up. When comparing to available photos, you will note the snaps on the images are white. These snaps are also white, although parts of the paint have worn off the snaps over time. Portions of paint are still present. The reverse of the jacket sports the “JAZZ” logo, which is factory screened, white and yellow. Jacket exhibits heavy game wear, appropriate for pre game activities and bench use. In the area of the white collar are signs of yellowing perspiration.
This effect is also seen on the white sleeve openings. With the exception of the loose tag stitching and the wear to the snap paint, the jacket is all original and remains in near mint condition. Finest known Maravich jacket extant. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
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