Lot # 1865: 1960s Baltimore Colts Marching Band Majorette/Choreographer Bonnie Cunningham Uniform Ensemble Collection (9) with LOP

Get in step with a high-spirited rooter, when you lock down this 1960s Baltimore Colts Marching Band majorette uniform ensemble collection (9). A tradition founded in 1947, the band now known as Baltimore's Marching Ravens, has endured through four pro football franchises, beginning with the original AAFC Colts, then the NFL Colts, the CFL Colts/Stallions, and ultimately the NFL Ravens. Even when there was no team in town, this dedicated squad kept their civic pride alive by marching in other events, such as the Miss America pageant, an annual trip to perform in front Cleveland Browns fans, and local Baltimore events. The Band has been credited as a driving force in bringing pro football back to Baltimore after the Colts relocated to Indianapolis, so convincing was their die-hard support for the sport.

This collection of garments, boots and accessories comes from 1962-1978 majorette/cheerleader Bonnie Cunningham. This lovely "Twirl Girl" is pictured in uniform, leading the Majorette squad, on an included The News American - Maryland Living laminated magazine front cover, dated November 28, 1965. Also present is a Cunningham signed handwritten letter dated Jan. 10, 2013. The letter's content indicates Cunningham sent this uniform collection to a Baltimore collector or possibly an exhibitor, who was assembling a display.

Featured are:

Cream blazer jacket with Colts logo patch on the left sleeve, three metal horseshoe buttons on the front, and blue fringe and cuffs on the sleeves. The interior lining shows considerable sweat staining, while the exterior retains strong integrity, with light staining/soiling. Located inside the left breast over a pocket, is an A. Jacobs & Sons factory label with "Made to Measure" legend. A second Jacobs label inside the pocket bears two different handwritten names and the date "9/60".

Cream tunic with Colts letter patch on the back, above a blue fringe accent, that continues over the shoulders, down the front and along the sleeves. The sleeve cuffs are trimmed in blue, and there are blue vents at the sides. The front zipper has a break and a 3" tear, the blue collar lining suffers partial separation, and there's a moth hole on the left sleeve, behind the fringe. No labels are present, and the only identifying marks and the handwritten number 4, below the initials "MC", possibly for Majorette Cunningham.

Blue pleated skirt in excellent condition, with "Bonnie Cunningham Balto. MD. 21234" written on an A. Jacobs & Sons interior label.

Cream western style hat with Resitol factory logo and labeling on the interior, shows moderate wear/use, including a partially compromised lining, with an added shoelace tie and an arc of foam padding, moderate staining/soiling, and a lightly crushed crown. The interior sweat band has the name Giselle Bernstein written on it at rear.

White calf-length boots with blue fringe and metal cleats are soiled and well-worn, including partial seam splits at rear of both boots. Cunningham's letter states the boots were the hardest item for her to part with, as they were from her pre Colts days.

White mid-calf boots with blue fringe are moderately worn and lightly soiled.

Circa 1970 Colts scarf with moderate wear/fading, suggested by Cunningham as a stand-in for the absent original uniform ascot.

Pair of blue and white pom-poms in excellent condition, with securely attached handles.

Set of two metal twirling batons, one 27" and one 25", both with considerable wear on the rubber end pieces.

The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.