This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
This is a full 1942-1944 San Diego Padres uniform set. Any pre-1945 flannel jersey is a find, but a complete set from the Pacific Coast League’s heyday is truly a unique discovery. The set is notable in that the original lettering has remained intact - during the war years most uniforms were donated to the armed services where the graphics were stripped off and reissued to the troops overseas. Miraculously, this attractive San Diego Padres set survived. Though the jersey and pants have number “55”, the stamped number “5” in the waistband which may indicate its use by Padres southpaw Rex Dilbeck. His height and weight of 190 lbs and 6’-1” would have fit comfortably into this larger sized uniform set. Eilbeck won 24 games for the Padres from 1941 to 1943.
The home white flannel has “Padres” across the front in royal blue felt. Blue piping runs around the collar and sleeves and the jersey has a matching blue sun collar. The seven buttons on the front are intact. The Wilson label is sewn inside the collar with dry cleaning and size “42” labels affixed. The back has “55” in royal blue. The heavy white flannel shows great game use. There are many pine tar spots and turf marks found throughout the jersey and expected perspiration staining, especially on the bottom portion of the piece, but there are no tears or repairs. The blue felt lettering shows slight wear from age and laundering and the “55” on back has several moth holes in evidence. The matching white flannel pants have royal blue belt loops and piping with a felt “55” on the left front. The five fly buttons are intact as are the two on the pocket flaps. Wilson size “34” labeling is found inside the waistband, along with a stamped number “5”. The pants show great game use with many pine tar, perspiration and turf stains found throughout. The seat shows a few minor holes in the flannel and the blue piping has some moth holes. A very rarely encountered uniform set.