Close observers of the Mick will recall another of his on-field mannerisms, his habit of folding his cap and sticking it in his back pocket when donning his batting helmet for a turn at the plate. While this practice lends further credence to the authenticity of the presented example, it has also caused the cardboard interior of the visor to break through the fabric and be lost, leaving the green fabric underbelly of the brim in tatters. Thankfully there is still enough here to identify a vintage number "7" in marker, and the remnants of a later Mantle signature. The leather interior headband likewise shows some damage, but the size of "7 3/8" is still visible, proper for the Mick's hats. A "Tim McAuliffe" label appears nearby. It must be stressed that professional model caps were not available in retail outlets as they are today, a fact which leading uniform authenticator MEARS surely considered when issuing its "Authentic" paperwork.

Also here is a letter from noted collector Bob Kirk, who traces the cap's provenance to his purchase from Paul Hill, who got the cap from Mantle's teammate Allie Reynolds. LOA from MEARS. Letter of provenance from former owner. LOA from Heritage Auctions.