1973-74 NHL St. Louis Blues # 30 John Davidson

Game Worn Rookie Jersey - Home White Rawlings Dureen

This vintage garment was worn in his 1973-74 Rookie NHL season by goaltender and fan favourite, John Davidson. The St. Louis Blues would wear this style of jersey for one season only in 1973-74.  

The sleeve number "30" measures 4 1/2 X 3 " for each number and are situated in a 6 1/2" space between the shoulder yoke and sleeve striping. There is about 1 1/4" space above and 1 " space below. There is a 1" space between the 3 and 0. 

The number "30" on the back measures 10 3/4" X 6 3/8 for each number. There is a 1 5/8" space between the 3 and 0. They are situated 4 1/2" from the top striping and 1 1/2" from the bottom striping leaving space for a name-bar which would be added for TV games. 

These details regarding the size and position of the numbers are unique and specific to the 1973-74 NHL Season only. 

The jersey has been strongly photo referenced with a possible match to the thread pattern and loose thread in the V-Neck collar. Also the angle of the upper stem of the # 3 on the left arm has been photo matched. Several images have been included of John Davidson wearing this jersey along with images of other players and the team from the 1973-74 season in particular. One image shows Orest Kindrachuk of the Philadelphia Blazers squaring of with Steve Durbano. The two players only played with these teams at the same time in 1973-74. Also included is an image of # 25 Larry Giroux from 1973-74. The style and position of the sleeve numbers is very apparent with lots of space between the numbers and the shoulder yoke and arm striping. 

The unique number style, size and position on both the sleeves and back are consistent with St. Louis Blues jerseys worn only in the 1973-74 season. This research along with the above noted photo references allows for a definitive authentication of this jersey as having been worn by # 30 John Davidson for the 1973-74 season. 

The Rawlings tag with adjacent size 50 tag are still sewn into the collar along with a player #"30" tag sewn into the upper inner back. The original loop style fight strap remains attached with the original lace still inside the loop. 

The jersey actually measures out larger than a size 50 at 26" across the chest. (size 52). The length is 30". 

The evidence of wear includes considerable stretching in the collar and overall jersey. Blood and other reddish brown storage stains. Several un-repaired runs consistent with Rawlings dureens from this period. Considerable softening to the numbers and crest from wear and laundering and considerable softness and piling in the interior. 

The jersey presents extremely well and is the only known game worn example from John Davidson's short two year tenure with the St. Louis Blues, 1973-75.