A piece of baseball history is set to go under the hammer as Heritage Auctions presents a legendary item - a rare grey flannel jersey worn by none other than Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson during his time with the Washington Senators from 1919 to 1922. This exceptional jersey, one of only two known to exist, holds a significant place in the annals of baseball memorabilia.
Formerly in the possession of Johnson's teammate, Eric "Swat" Erickson, this jersey has remained remarkably well-preserved in its original condition. Johnson, renowned for his outstanding achievements on the field, including an impressive tally of 3,508 strikeouts and 110 shutouts, is a revered figure in the history of the sport. The historical significance and authenticity of the jersey are underscored by its prestigious A10 rating from MEARS and a letter of authentication from renowned authenticator Dave Grob, despite some visible signs of age such as rust from years of storage.
Having made its debut in the collectors' market nearly two decades ago, this prized jersey, with its notable provenance tracing back to Johnson's own teammate, is poised to attract substantial interest. The anticipation surrounding this auction is heightened by the fact that the jersey was previously sold for $352,000 in 2006. With expectations skyrocketing to over $3 million this time around, it is very likely that this auction will set a new benchmark for sports memorabilia sales.
The allure of owning a piece of sporting history linked to a legendary figure like Walter Johnson, coupled with the rarity and impeccable provenance of this jersey, is expected to draw in collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe. As the upcoming auction approaches, all eyes will be on this extraordinary artifact, waiting to see if it will indeed rewrite the record books and claim its place as one of the most coveted pieces of baseball memorabilia ever auctioned.
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