Help from Chargers collectors - Sideline jacket related

[Mr. T From SD]

First post on the forums, looking forward to posting some more in the future

Anyways, I am seeking opinions from people knowledgeable about Chargers memorabilia

I recently purchased this jacket from a Craigslist ad here in San Diego and am seeking some information regarding this piece.

It appears to have been used quite a bit with a few stains and repairs, but I have no way of knowing whether it was game worn or not.

I suppose what I want to know is that can it be considered a definite “team/game issued” piece? Or does anyone know if these jackets were available for retail? I have never seen one for sale on sites like eBay so I am guessing these weren’t available for people to buy (like Starter jackets, for example)

Also, can anyone pinpoint it to a particular era (60’s, 70’s, etc) I have tried looking for photos of players wearing these jackets on the sidelines but haven’t had any luck yet.

Hopefully there’s someone on the forums who has seen one of these before.

Many thanks in advance
-Taylor

Photos:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/bigtrginsd/DSCI0721-4.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/bigtrginsd/DSCI0722-6.jpg

King O'Shea tag (only tag on the jacket, no size, player number, etc.)
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/bigtrginsd/DSCI0723-6.jpg

A couple of the repairs found on the jacket:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/bigtrginsd/DSCI0714-9.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/bigtrginsd/DSCI0715-9.jpg

[both-teams-played-hard]

Welcome to the forum.
That is not a retail item. I think it was only available to the team during the AFL era. What is the size? Are there any names or numbers written or sewn anywhere on the jacket? Depending on the size, it could be for a player, coach, etc.
Regardless, great jacket.

[both-teams-played-hard]

Similar jacket:
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?Auction_ID=37175

[Mr. T From SD]

Similar jacket:
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?Auction_ID=37175

Thanks a bunch for that link. Looks to be the same one, but different tag and color lining. Awesome.

It's pretty large, about an XXL in today's sizing. No names or numbers anywhere, but it's certainly roomy enough to fit over shoulder pads.

[invintagewetrust]

Great piece!

If you are ever thinking of selling let me know.

Love the 'D' pocket detailing, King O'Shea made some of the highest quality garments...

In Vintage We Trust.

[Mr. T From SD]

Great piece!

If you are ever thinking of selling let me know.

Love the 'D' pocket detailing, King O'Shea made some of the highest quality garments...

In Vintage We Trust.

No kidding about the quality. The collar/cuffs/waistband material is about twice as thick as you'd find on any jacket today.

Anyways thanks for the replies.

Does anyone have any leads on where I can find photos of these jackets on the sidelines? Just wanted to have some saved for myself.

I've looked through gettyimages and have come up empty. I noticed this one that could be the same style jacket. Not the best of examples, however.

http://i53.tinypic.com/el5hdf.png

[invintagewetrust]

The reason photos of sideline jackets are so hard to find is that wire photos and or nfl press photos didn't really pay any attention to the sidelines, in part because what was happening on the field was far more important then some guy sitting on the bench. The odd time you'll find a photo of a star player, ie. Joe Namath or Fran Tarkenton sitting on the bench. You should also note that there are actually three types of sideline jackets. A pregame warm up jacket, which would have been worn by players coming out of the tunnel and during pregame warm ups, a long cape style jacket worn during colder weather affairs, and a shorter style sideline jacket, which I would assume is what you have in your possession. Your best bet to find a reference point for the Chargers wearing this style would be in footage from old game films or maybe an nfl film on the late 1960's or early 1970's Chargers.

In Vintage We Trust.