Ambrose "Amby" Schindler was a top-notch college quarterback in the late 1930s who solidified his place in gridiron history with a stirring performance in the 1940 Chicago Charities College All-Star Game. The annual charity game was a preseason football game played in the summer from 1934 to 1976 between the reigning NFL champs and a team of star college football seniors from the previous season. It was also known as the College All-Star Football Classic. On August 29, 1940, the College All-Stars suited up for battle against the Green Bay Packers in a game played at Chicago’s Soldier Field. In a high-scoring contest played before 84,567 fans, the annual game’s largest crowd ever to that point, the Packers outlasted the college players, 45-28.
Starting at quarterback for the college All-Stars was Schindler. A standout signal-caller for the USC Trojans, Schindler was also the reigning Rose Bowl Game MVP. It was Schindler’s pinpoint passing and direction that led the All-Stars to four touchdown scores. For his efforts, Schindler was named the College All-Star Football Classic’s MVP. This lot features Schindler’s game worn uniform from that memorable contest 77 years ago!
The largely blue dureen jersey with red and white highlights includes 10 embroidered red stars on each shoulder area and the front side of its original crotch flap remains in place. His uniform number “24” appears on the front and back in white tackle twill numerals sewn directly onto the jersey that stretch nine inches tall on the front and 11 inches tall on the back. The well-worn jersey, which includes a “Dry Clean Only” tag on the inside rear collar, certainly shows its age with noticeable discoloration and fading. Both sleeves still include the original elbow pads that were built into the jersey. The accompanying gray pants are made of Skinner’s tackle twill with rayon twill cotton back (see sewn-in manufacturer’s tag on inside crotch area). Also included in that same area is a separate “May & Halas Equipment Chicago” tag along with a separate two-fold flag tag with washing instructions included.
The pants, which include a red, white and blue dureen strip running down the outside of either pant leg, shows obvious signs of wear. Original sewn-in knee pads are still present as is the original draw string on the crotch area. An incredible game worn uniform from an incredible clutch performer. Attached photo appears to be a vintage photo-match.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.