1970s Era | “Nike” Stained Glass Mirror

Nike, Inc., originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, has evolved into a global powerhouse in the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Renamed Nike in 1971, the brand began releasing products in 1972. The company's early success was propelled by innovations like the waffle sole and endorsement deals with star athletes, such as Michael Jordan. Over the years, Nike expanded its product lines, ventured into digital technologies, and focused on sustainability and social responsibility, solidifying its status as a leader in the sports and fashion sectors. Today, Nike's iconic Swoosh logo and commitment to innovation and style continue to make it a dominant force in the global market, worn by athletes and individuals worldwide.

Rumored to be given exclusively to Nike employees during the late 70s or early 80s, this stained glass mirror features a blue Nike shoe with yellow accents. A large “NIKE” is featured in red along with a red Swoosh. Produced in limited quantities, these mirrors were never released to the public.

Accompanying this lot is a letter of provenance from the consignor: it reads: 

"I'm writing to share a memory from my time representing Nike as an independent manufacturing representative, which started in the spring of 1977. I was hired by Jim Bunn of Bunn and Associates in Arvada, Colorado, and my territory covered Wyoming, Utah, and Montana. I specifically handled sales in Utah and Wyoming.

During that time, Nike had a popular shoe called the Waffle Trainer. I recall in 1979, they introduced a women's color in Lemon Yellow that didn't perform well at retail and was subsequently put up for closeout. All the sales representatives across the country had the opportunity to sell this closeout to their dealers.

I took this opportunity to ask many of my customers/retailers across my territory, including a store, Sunset Sports in Salt Lake City, Utah (whose corporate name was Udisco), about purchasing these closeout shoes. They ended up buying a significant quantity, which resulted in me achieving second place in sales at Nike! The first-place prize was a trip to the Super Bowl, which I believe was the 1980 game, and the second-place recognition was the Nike mirror. Very much a "one of a kind" feel, and a limited amount made (quantity unknown), but it was a great achievement for me nonetheless. Even though my career selling Nike was a short one, this mirror has been with me for over 40 years in the Outdoor Sporting Goods industry as an independent manufacturing rep.

Now that I'm retired and enjoying not traveling for a living, it's time to let the mirror be appreciated by someone else."