Tremendous postwar representation of the late great Early Wynn and his first year in Cleveland; where he would join Feller, Lemon and Garcia, and quickly establish one the greatest and most effective pitching staffs in major league history. It was the start of a nine-hitch in which he would enjoy the most productive and prodigious seasons of his Hall of Fame career, notching 163 of his milestone 300 career wins. A burly, hard-nosed hurler and Cy Young Award winner, he treated every inning as if it were a war, and maintained a legendary reputation for durability and toughness across 23 major league seasons - an A.L. record for pitchers. Offered is a rarely encountered Wynn gamer from this significant era, presented in original condition and with exceptional provenance. This beautiful Indians road flannel was handed down to the Fort Smith (Arkansas) Indians -- Cleveland's Western Association affiliate -- and then displayed for promotional purposes in the window of Kerwin's Athletic Goods, a 109-year old Fort Smith landmark. It was found in the company's storage when the Kerwin family sold the business in 1990. According to Jerry Kerwin, now in his eighties and still living in Fort Smith, the team would send a uniform over each year to promote the upcoming season. When obtained by our consignor in 1990, "Fort Smith" was still on the front -- soon removed, and correct "Cleveland" professionally restored, returning this glorious vintage garment to its original appearance. And with the exception of the noted change, it boasts all original specs and identifiers, including number, tags and all braiding, as well as "Wynn 24" stitched on a white collar swatch. Proper "Set 1 1949" tag is stitched into the right inside front of the jersey, and there is still a clearly discernable outline where a Wahoo patch (1946-50) was sewn on the left sleeve. The noted felt "Fort Smith" lettering is included. Needless to say - but we will - this is an exciting, first-time-offered find and rare opportunity for collectors to obtain an early representation of a Hall of Famer who not only personified his era, but often dominated it. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from game used authority Lou Lampson.
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