This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
These three uniform pieces were worn by Bill Miller during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Miller was a former Stanford pole vaulter and, having never won a major title, was considered an underdog going into the ’32 Summer Games. To everyone’s surprise Miller surpassed everyone, including his teammate, Bill Graber, who was the favorite after winning the U.S. trials. Miller's vault of 4.31 meters edged out Japan’s Shuhei Nishida for the gold medal.
The first piece in the group is the rarely seen navy blue beret worn by Miller in perhaps the opening or closing ceremonies. The beret retains the original tagging inside which reads “Official Olympic Beret Manufactured by Duchess Hat Works Beacon, N.Y.” and additional tag is sewn in the sweatband reading “Officially Approved by the American Olympic Clothing Comm.” and features the Olympic rings logo. A size “22 1/2” hand tag is affixed. The beret is topped off with a red and white pompom. Miller’s white wool sweater vest is trimmed with blue and red and features the US Olympic Team’s shield logo patch sewn on top of a red triangle. The MacGregor Olympic label is sewn in the collar. The sweater shows moderate to heavy use with toning and slight staining throughout, but besides a few snags in the wool, there is no tears or holes.
Miller’s track shorts have red, white and blue trip down the sides of the legs and elastic waist band. A size “30” label is sewn in the waist band. The shorts show heavy use with turf stains throughout. The waist band has frayed in parts but still retains much of the red, white and blue coloring. There are several loose threads but no tears or rips. An incredible ensemble worn by an American Gold Medalist at the first “modern” Olympic Games.
Includes letter of provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.