1965 Sandy Koufax Game Used and Autographed Jersey (Many new photos)

[Sean1125]

I was wondering what wisdom and insight the gentlemen over here might be able to provide?

This jersey was passed down to a local doctor after his father passed. No other information as to provenance can be provided.

Any information you may assist with is greatly appreciated.

S

[roarfrom34]

wow...looks promising to me

[JoeDfan]

Wow.

[commishbob]

That's a beauty! This page has pics of the Dodgers tail tags of the era (and many others). It may be helpful.

[rlevy]

Sorry, but IMHO, looks off to me in a number of ways. But I have seen Koufax jerseys sold by auction houses that I didn't think were real, so who knows. Maybe Dave G will chime in.

Rick

[perezfan]

I see numerous problems with this jersey...

1. Numbers and script "Dodgers" have unexplained and significant fraying. Looks like perhaps they were removed from another jersey and applied to this one.

2. The Jersey itself appears wrong for the 1965 Dodgers. Check out the attached SCP link, which shows a 1965 Koufax Flannel with good provenance...

https://catalog.scpauctions.com/1965...-LOT27629.aspx

The SCP jersey has "RAGLAN" (or diagonally cut) sleeves. The OP's jersey has a straight-cut sleeve. Big difference... and highly unlikely that the team would use both styles during the same season.

3. Also check out the embroidered script "Koufax 65" just below the Spalding Tag. The cursive script style is much different on the SCP Jersey than on the OP's jersey.

4. The positioning of the number 32 on the back is significantly higher on the SCP jersey, than on the OP's jersey.

So it looks to me as if someone may have taken a vintage/original Spalding Home Flannel, and added the Dodgers logo and number "32" to the front and back. Considering what Koufax Flannels sell for, it would be quite a lucrative endeavor for the "restorer".

In the spirit of giving the "benefit of the doubt", I suppose there's an off- chance that the Dodgers wore different jerseys for their 1965 Spring Training (and that this could be one of those). But that possibility seems a bit remote.

I know Dave G. gets paid to give his opinion, but as Rick stated above... it would be great if he could chime in with a few quick thoughts.

[perezfan]

Heritage also featured a 1965 Koufax Home Flannel. But this one was made by Tim McAuliffe (not Spalding). It also has the correct Raglan (Diagonal) Sleeves, as appears to be the case for all mid '60s Dodgers Flannels...

The Heritage Jersey realized a similarly enormous price, so make of it what you will....

https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball-c...a/7105-82121.s


To the OP...
Given the obvious concerns with this jersey, I would recommend the following. Unbutton it, and hold it up to a bright light. Look at the number 32 on the back (from the inside) with the bright light directly behind the jersey. Do you see any evidence of prior stitching or embroidery? If so, then you've got your answer. If not, then perhaps consider sending it to either Dave Grob or Mears for further authentication. Hope this is helpful, and best of luck!

[rlevy]

Mark, in addition to all the points you specified, in general, the overall wear pattern just doesn't look consistent for a game used jersey, especially a pitcher. There doesn't appear to be wear in the neck, the wear on the numbers and the puckering in the jersey seems wrong, and the Koufax name sewn in looks almost new while the laundry tag is very worn. I agree with you that it looks like something put together to resemble a Koufax jersey If the poster holds it up to the light, they may be able to see stitch marks from where other lettering or numbers were once on the jersey.

Rick