This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2014
Featured here is a pair of vintage uniform pieces game-worn by USC Trojan legend, Gaius "Gus" Shaver including his road jersey/sweater and shoulder pads. Gus Shaver played quarterback and fullback for the University of Southern California Trojans from 1929 through 1931. He was a consensus All-America selection in 1931 and led the 10-1 Trojans to the National Title. The 1931 Trojans lost their opening game to St. Mary’s College, but won the remaining 10 games. When USC faced Notre Dame that year, the Fighting Irish were ranked No. 1 in the country and had won 26 in a row. Shaver scored two touchdowns in the 4th quarter to lead USC to a 16–14 come-from-behind win in South Bend. It was the Trojans’ first win on Notre Dame’s home field. Shaver wore this road jersey and shoulder pad set during USC's glorious 1931 National Championship season.
The beige wool pullover garment has Shaver's No. "22" sewn in red fabric (feels like cotton) on the back. There are nine black canvas friction strips on the front and four more on each arm. Sewn inside the collar is the manufacturer's tag reads "PACIFIC KNITTING - MILLS - SIZE 44 - LOS ANGELES-CALIFORNIA." The sweater shows a ton of wear, with sweat staining and numerous holes and team repairs in the wool. Very hard to find this style in the hobby, let alone attributable to a legendary player like Shaver. (His '31 home cardinal/maroon gamer is also available in this auction!)
Shaver's double-flapped shoulder pads are some of the earliest such examples you will ever find in the hobby. Using four hard shells layered with wool and attached to leather protective straps the cover the upper chest and back areas, this set has certainly been put to the test on the field. The original laces and straps are somehow still intact, although it doesn't look like they will hold for long. What an awesome early 20th century combo from a true college football legend!
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum.