Four reels of black-and-white 16mm football study film from the game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants on November 9, 1958. The canisters are identified on the sides with the score and date, "Colts 21, Giants 24, 11-9-58," and are labeled as "E2 #1 OFF," "E2 #2 OFF," "E2 #1 DEF," and "E2 #2 DEF." All appear to contain elevated sideline views of the regular season game between the Colts and Giants that preceded their famed rematch in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, which would become known as 'The Greatest Game Ever Played.' By studying this film of their regular season loss, the Colts were well prepared for the championship game and emerged with a 23-17 victory in sudden death overtime. The canisters are held in a "Special Delivery" airmail container addressed to "Harry Hulmes, Business Manager, The Baltimore Colts." Hulmes became business manager for the Colts in 1958, and worked for the club for twelve years in various roles, including public relations director and general manager. In overall fine condition, with wear to the shipping container.
Accompanied by a brief handwritten note by Colts legend and Hall of Famer Raymond Berry, responding to an inquiry about the film: "I believe we played the Giants in a reg season game in '58 and lost. We definitely studied that game film preparing for the Dec. 28 '58 game." Also includes a small photo signed and inscribed by Berry. Of all the Baltimore Colts athletes who studied game film, none took advantage of the process more than Raymond Berry. In this regular season game, he tallied 49 receiving yards with one touchdown. In the championship game on December 28th, Berry was able to exploit weaknesses he found in the Giants' defense to haul in a record-setting 12 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown, en route to the first league title in Colts history.
