Presented here is a rare uniform set game-worn and autographed by a college football legend. Ambrose "Amblin' Ambie" Schindler was a star quarterback for the University of Southern California Trojans in 1936-37 and 1939. His senior year he led the Trojans to a share of the 1939 National Championship. Schindler was MVP of the 1940 Rose Bowl as he threw a touchdown pass and passed for another in a 14-0 victory over a Tennessee Volunteers team that had previously gone undefeated for 23 games and unscored upon the previous 16 games! Ambie Schindler wore this ensemble, which includes his maroon home jersey, gold pants and shoulder pads, during that glorious season and even signed each item later on for good measure.
Schindler's game-worn USC home maroon/burgundy jersey has his No. "24" stitched front and back in orange. The cotton long-sleeve sweatshirt pullover has "CHAMPION KNITWEAR CO. INC. - ROCHESTER, N.Y. - SIZE 44" tagging inside the collar next to a 1" team repair. The blue stitching along the pleats has come unraveled in several places, but there are only a couple holes in the fabric. Schindler has signed the front '2' in 8/10 black marker. There are several dark contact marks and sweat stains front and back from obvious game use. Despite all that wear, it remains in amazing condition for its age.
The highlight in this lot has to be Schindler's silk and wool gold-colored pants equipped with a complete padding system. A size 34 strip tag can be found inside the crotch, but no manufacturer's tag is present. The pants show wear consistent with gridiron action. Stitching down the left side has frayed a bit, a couple tiny holes are exposed in the wool breathing sections, and contact marks are prevalent in the silk exterior. But somehow these pants have remained in remarkable shape. All laces and straps for fastening are completely intact as are the internal knee and thigh pads on both legs. They are game-ready even today if one so chooses. You won't find a better example of late 30's - early 40's football pants out there. Schindler has penned his name beautifully in 9/10 black pen on the outer left waist.
Finishing off this trio is Schindler's classic set of white shoulder pads, equipped with four hard shells and hard padding for the upper chest and back. "EP", "MEDIUM" and "FRONT" are stamped on the front side, with "BACK" stamped twice on the back. Schindler's No. "24" is painted in orange on each lower shoulder shell. He has signed the right upper shell in impeccable 10/10 black marker. All stings, laces, straps and padding material are completely intact. Like the other two pieces, they come essentially as-issued and problem-free. What a special set for USC Trojan and football collectors alike!
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum. Also comes with Letter of Authenticity from Amby Schindler.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.