Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Winter 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2014
Much rarer than a cut signature or an autographed letter, this official Dominion of Canada from the late 19th century has been witnessed in vintage ink by the namesake of hockey's most treasured trophy. 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 9 1/2" x 15" document that has been elegantly signed at the top "Stanley of Preston" and dated August 10, 1891. The official Dominion of Canada document promotes Sergeant Reginald Mortimer Courtney to the rank of Lieutenant. Stanley has placed his seal and co-signed beside it in his capacity of Governor General of Canada. Displayed in a 15 1/2" x 21" wood frame, the top edge of this 120-year-old official document displays staining, the result of humidity or acidity. Though it runs through the middle of Lord Stanley's fountain pen signature, it has not altered the integrity of this rare autograph in any substantial way nor significantly diminished its historic display. This vintage document mounted in a beige matte otherwise remains in excellent condition, with expected folds, and comes with a signed letter of authenticity.
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