[Editor’s note: Today marks the return of “Collector’s Corner” to Uni Watch. Although no longer run by Brinke Guthrie, it has been ably resurrected by Chris Weir. Chris approached me about restarting CC, vowing to uphold the old look and style, but with one new twist: he will make each edition timely with what is going on currently in the sports world (i.e. rivalry games, big events, anniversary of events). For instance this week’s edition will solely focus on the Army-Navy game which has produced some great items over the years. Enjoy and please give Chris some feedback about the new (old) feature. — PH]
by Chris Weir
As a UniWatch reader since the days of Page 2, my favorite feature of the site was always “Collector’s Corner.” I loved it so much that I asked to take on the mantle and restart it as a weekly feature on site.
Ever since I was a kid I’ve always had an affinity for sports apparel, memorabilia, and the like, so I ask you to send me anything and everything that catches your eye to, collectorscorneruniwatch@aol.com, and to follow me on X, @uwcollect. Send me items from your own collection too so I can feature them.
This week I will focus solely on the Army-Navy game, which in my opinion has produced the greatest Uniform Matchup and the greatest Sports T.V. Production I’ve ever seen.
• This year’s game features uniforms honoring the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the Navy’s Jolly Rogers Squadron. Get these Army and Navy shirts while they still last.
• In 1962, President Kennedy attended the Army-Navy Game at the stadium that would later be named in his honor in 1964. This Glass, featuring some fantastic art and the Pennsylvania Rail Road logo, was made to commemorate the game.
• Enjoy the nostalgia of 90’s Apparel with this shirt from the Army-Navy Game in 1990.
• In 1994, Army-Navy Checkers would have been difficult to play since both teams had nearly identical golden helmets. However, the makers of this checkers game provided you with Army and Navy logo stickers.
• The simplicity of these 1965 Army-Navy Game Tickets is extremely appealing. Maybe the gold reminds me of a Golden Ticket?
• There have only been two Army-Navy games played outside of the Eastern Time Zone, 1926 in Chicago and 1983 at the Rose Bowl. Here’s a Program from the 1983 game featuring the California state flag in the background.
• During World War Two in 1944 and 1945, Army and Navy were respectively #1 and #2 in the country when they met, with Army winning both games. Here’s a 1944 Army-Navy Game Program that features wartime mascots and a 1945 Army-Navy Game Program celebrating the end of World War Two.
• “The Log” is the USNA’s magazine. Here is its December, 1944 issue featuring beautiful artwork, both intuitions’ seals, and a quintessential 1940’s ad featuring Santa selling cigarettes.
• Here’s a Book from the 100th Army Navy Game in 1999. Can only seem to find Navy editions.
• Here is a Football with artwork of Michie Stadium and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, two of the best venues in the country. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is the only stadium I’ve ever been to that allows one re-entry per ticket. Do any other places allow that?
• I’m not sure if you can run the option with electric football but you can sure try with this Army-Navy Electric Football Game.
That’s all for this week! See you again next week.
–Chris Weir
Thanks for bringing collectors corner back Chris! I have always lived this!
As someone who frequents antique malls to find collectibles & such for a bargain. This is truly amazing!
I ascribe to a mantra of “thrill of the hunt” although I’m not sure if this falls in that category. I think this will get a pass albeit the items usually out of my price range.
This is awesome! I’m so thrilled to have Collector’s Conner back! Thanks for reviving it, Chris, and great job on your inaugural installment!
Welcome Back, Collector’s Corner!
I like your spin on the feature…and the items featured too.
Great job bringing back the Collector’s Corner.
But, I must disagree about Navy-Marine Corps Stadium as a great venue.
The seats seem like a mile away from the field. Even in the front rows, it seems far.
I assume this is because it’s also used as parade grounds for the Midshipmen to march and gather in formation for graduation and other events besides sports. It takes an area larger than a football field to fit them all.
Thanks again for the return of the CC.
Navy-Marine Corps Stadium is pretty standard in dimensions… As a stadium it’s nothing to write home about but the atmosphere is very unique and I recommend it for everyone… Annapolis is a great place to visit too
They stopped it before my time there, but I believe UVA used to allow re-entry.
I was always a fan of the weekly Collector’s Corner and have missed it since Brinke’s departure. Thank you Chris for reviving this and I especially like your new approach. Well done!
Good stuff, Chris! Thanks for posting this!
I’m also jazzed to see Collector’s Corner return. Thanks Chris!