Sears’ 1967 NFL No. 613 model – Cardinal vs. Bears

Electric football history was made 45 years ago when Tudor brought its miniature NFL to Christmas mornings throughout the country. One of the three NFL games Tudor was offering in 1967 was the NFL No. 613 model, which was being sold exclusively by Sears.

The No. 613 was an entirely new mid-size (31” x 18”) Lee Payne-designed game that came with the Cardinals and the Bears. (Up until 1959 these two teams had been cross-town Chicago rivals.) It also came with a colorful frame featuring the single-bar helmets of all 16 NFL teams.

Sears featured the game on page 461 of its 1967 Christmas Book for $10.49. The No. 613 was the first Tudor electric football game ever sold by Sears, and one of the most striking models Tudor ever made. Because of its frame and its provenance – one of Tudor’s three original NFL models – this game is one of our all-time favorites.

A 1967 Sears newspaper advertisement

For the real life 2012 Arizona Cardinals, the season is over. But the game is a must win for the Bears to keep their playoff hopes alive. Considering the Cardinals blew out the Lions last weekend, the Bears will have their hands full.

Earl & Roddy

P.S – The No. 613 game photo is another one of ours that has been floating around the Internet for a number of years. This photo was also part of the Miggle Tudor History page.