Auction Item Details
Lot 347
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Lot Number: 347
Description: Johnny Unitas' personal unopened celebratory champagne bottle from the 1958 NFL Championship return flight (Greatest Game Ever Played). Rare unopened bottle of 1952 Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne was on hand for the Colts return flight home from New York after winning the 1958 NFL Championship game. What has come to be known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" saw Baltimore face off against the Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York. With just two minutes left in the fourth quarter New York was up 17-14 however Baltimore was not to be counted out. Johnny Unitas lead the Colts on a drive which culminated in a (20) yard field goal with only (7) seconds left on the clock. He would again lead an (80) yard drive in sudden-death overtime which ended in a touchdown pass to Alan Ameche securing the win. The game was broadcast Nationally by NBC and is credited with helping to propel the NFL's surge in popularity in the ensuing years. The bottle of 1952 Moet was presented to Johnny Unitas on the return flight home and it has remained with the Unitas Family Collection until this offering. In addition to the labels applied at the time of production, an additional on the lower back relays that it is one that was specially selected by Pan Am CEO C. Edward Acker to be marketed in 1958 in commemoration of their 25th Anniversary of commercial jet service. In very fine overall condition with a touch of light handling and storage wear. Includes a vintage wooden storage box and letter of provenance from the Unitas Family: EXEstimated Price Range: ($2,500-$5,000)
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