Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
In what was becoming a habit, Joe Montana led his 49ers to the best record in the NFL in 1990. His total dominance throughout the season led to him being named Sports Illustrated "Sportsman of the Year". It looked like the 49ers were poised to make a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance when Montana was injured in the NFC Championship Game. Although the injury didn't end his career, Montana was never the same player afterwards, making this 1990 jersey al the more significant in that it dates from the very high point of his Hall of Fame career. Game used experts MEARS have determined that this jersey matches the style used during the 1990 season and January 1991 playoffs. The absence of the NFL logo patch at the neck shows that this jersey was worn before the 1991 season when this became standard on all jerseys. The red mesh jersey has Montana's number "16" in white appliqué on the front as well on each sleeve. Three white appliqué stripes finish each sleeve end and a red Wilson logo is sewn on the left sleeve end. Wilson label is sewn in the lower left front tail and size "44" and "CR" strip tags are affixed. The back has "MONTANA" across the shoulders in white appliqué on a red nameplate and his number "16" is below in white appliqué. The jersey shows moderate game use, with many turf marks and contact scuffs visible. Several small tears in the mesh can be seen, most noticeably on the front just to the left of the "1", and there are several loose threads. None of these distract from the display quality and historical significance of this jersey. Montana has signed the "1" in black marker making this an outstanding gamer from the heart of Montana's Hall of Fame career. Letter of Authenticity (314542) from game used experts MEARS who have given this jersey a perfect score of A10. The jersey originates from NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. It includes a letter from Steiner Sports Executive Vice President Stephen Costello who received the jersey directly from Ronnie Lott and attributes the game use to 'approximately 1989'.