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One of the finest and most desirable Stanley Cup championship rings ever offered to the hobby, this striking and thought-provoking memento was presented to Jacques Plante after he helped the Montreal Canadiens to their record fourth consecutive Cup, breaking the previous record held by Toronto. Plante was once again dominant in ’58-59, racking up a league-high 38 wins and nine shutouts and winning the Vezina Trophy for the fourth straight season. And what a team he had in front of him! Jean Beliveau led the NHL with 45 goals and finished runner-up to scoring champion Dickie Moore who posted a record 96 points. Tom Johnson won the Norris Trophy and Ralph Backstrom the Calder. Come playoff time, the Habs were pushed to six games by Chicago before taking care of the Maple Leafs in a 5-game final, Plante surrendering three goals or less in each game and Marcel Bonin scoring the Cup-winner. The 1959 Stanley Cup rings were the first ones ever presented to the players in the history of the Canadiens and only a handful have ever been offered for public sale. The face features the raised image of Lord Stanley’s trophy which has the four Cup-winning years listed on the bands of the barrel. Encircling it are those wonderful words Canadiens’ fans of the era never got tired of hearing, “World Hockey Champions”. The NHL logo appears on one side with “1956-1958” above and “1959” below while the other side features the Habs logo with “Jacques Plante” engraved on a banner above. “Balfour” and “10K” are stamped on the interior of the band. The size 7 1/2 ring shows just very light wear and is in outstanding difficult-to-hope-for-nicer condition. Serious championship ring collectors, as well as enthusiastic Plante collectors, now have a tremendous opportunity. Obtained from Jacques Plante’s sister Monique, who will sign a letter of authenticity to be included with this stirring keepsake.
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