Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction June 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/19/2018
The benefactor of the oldest existing trophy competed for by professional sports franchises, Lord Stanley of Preston first witnessed hockey – along with his family - at Montreal's famous Winter Carnival in 1889. Enamored, the Montreal Gazette mentioned that Stanley "expressed his great delight with the game of hockey and the expertise of the players". With a pair of sons now competing in the burgeoning game, Stanley commissioned the “Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup" in 1892 to be awarded to the ‘top amateur hockey team in Canada’. We have an exceeding rare and important framed military commission from 1879 that has been signed by both Lord Stanley and Queen Victoria. At roughly 11 ½” x 15 ½” (visible), the antique document feature’s “Victoria” centered over the top and executed in stylized calligraphic letters, with a pair of seals on the left side along with an “11-10-79” date stamp from the Chief Office. The Lord of Preston has signed along the bottom right – as “Fred Stanley” - with just minimal fading to the paramount signature, with Victoria adding a flowing signature along the top right. Framed to full dimensions of approx. 21” x 25”, this document was professionally "deacidified" and restored in 2012.
A backing was added to secure the document, with a few tears and breaches along parts of the five visible fold lines. The deacidification process has also caused both signatures to appear slightly paler. There is also expected toning to the document, along with a few minor areas of discolouration. We should also note light wear to the frame itself.
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