Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2011
Much rarer than a cut signature or an autographed letter, this official Military Commission has been witnessed in vintage ink by the namesake of our most treasured trophy and also by arguably Britain's greatest ruler, Queen Victoria. Although he never witnessed a championship game, Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, Governor General to Canada and the Earl of Derby, purchased for the price of 10 guineas a trophy bearing his name for presentation to the amateur hockey champions of Canada. The Stanley Cup has since become the symbol of professional hockey supremacy. As Lord Stanley died in 1908 his autograph is usually absent from even the most complete of Hall of Fame collections. This wonderful and scarce find is an ancient 12" x 16" page on thick linen paper and has been elegantly signed at the bottom "Fred Stanley" and dated August 7, 1879. The document promotes William Beaufort Brabazon to the rank of second lieutenant and Stanley has co-signed as Secretary of War, an office he held from 1878 to 1880. The Queen has made her mark at the top left, adding a massive three-inch long "Victoria R." in flowing fountain pen ink. This 131-year-old document with expected creases from being folded vertically in quarters does exhibit handling in the form of stains, primarily around the edges, though its display and historical value is not diminished. An interesting and ironic historical note: Lord Stanley witnessed his first hockey game at the Victoria Skating Rink, named after his Queen, in Montreal in 1889 and the building bearing her name also witnessed the very first Stanley Cup playoffs in 1894. In essence, the piece has been signed by two early and important hockey figures!
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).