A rare and deeply personal athletic T-shirt believed to have been worn as part of a Naval Brig softball or baseball team, likely dating to the 1970s. The front reads “NAVAL BRIG” in applied lettering, with the reverse marked “SPIKE” and the number “7”—a true issued or team-use garment rather than a souvenir piece.
Produced on a Russell Athletic Made in USA body, this shirt features period-correct construction including a buttoned henley neckline, tubular knit cotton, and bold athletic block lettering. The fabric shows extensive, honest wear—most notably sun fading and localized damage—consistent with prolonged use and storage.
Notably, this shirt was recovered from a 1970s van where it had been used as a window cover. Though dry, the cotton had significantly dehydrated over time. Over the course of two years, the fabric was carefully rehydrated and stabilized back to a wearable state. A true labor of preservation, undertaken to save a piece of American athletic and military-adjacent history.
This is not a perfect garment—but it is an authentic one.
Details:
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Era: 1970s
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Brand: Russell Athletic
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Made in USA
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Material: Cotton
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Color: Faded red
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Front: “Naval Brig” lettering
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Back: “Spike” / number 7
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Henley neckline with button closure
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Athletic / team-issued style
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Fits like a modern Large
Measurements:
Shoulder 19" | Pit to pit 22.5" | Length 27.5"
Condition
Heavily worn vintage condition with holes, thinning, and pronounced fading. Fabric has been stabilized and is wearable. All wear is consistent with age, use, and prolonged exposure. Sold as-is.
