The 2009 Montreal Centennial Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2009
Astonishing early medal, presented to a member of the team that would go on to win the very first Stanley Cup Championship, the Montreal AAA. Founded in 1884 by R. F. Smith, the historic Montreal Amateur Athletic Association Hockey Club (MAAA) took part in their first championship tournament in 1885 when Smith entered them into the Montreal Winter Carnival. With only seven members in tow, he successfully pleaded with the committee to reduce team sizes from nine to seven. The Winter Carnival hockey championship was won by the MAAA ahead of the following teams: McGill, Crystals, Victorias, Montreal Football Club and the Ottawa Silver Seven. The MAAA team would win at the Winter Carnival again in 1887, followed by Amateur Hockey Association of Canada (AHAC) Championship victories every year from 1888 through 1892, proving their worth as the top Amateur team in the nation. In 1893, after winning the AHAC title once more, the team was awarded the Stanley Cup, its inaugural presentation, and would win Stanleys grail three more times over the coming years. This immensely important medal was awarded to player Tom T. L. Paton for his part, minding the nets, in the first championship won by the MAAA at the 1885 Montreal Winter Carnival. Paton would stay with the squad, winning titles for the next decade, and was the goaltender of record on the historic 1893 Stanley Cup Championship roster. The Sterling silver award incorporates a bar across the top, engraved with Champions, and the red and white ribbon holding a circular medal at the bottom with crossed hockey sticks and a square puck (these square wooden pucks were used in the earliest games) with the engraved Carnival 1885. The reverse of the ancient award reveals the makers hallmarking and the name of the recipient, T. L. Paton. This significant find measures 2.25 inches from top to bottom with the medal itself coming in at one inch in diameter. Well-preserved for over 100 years, in near excellent condition. Truly, a piece of Hockey Hall of Fame caliber.
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).