Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction February 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2018
Selected to the Second NHL All-Star Team for a pair of consecutive seasons in 1962-63 and 1963-64, defenceman Elmer Vasko spent 10 seasons in The Windy City guarding the Hawks’ blueline, with a Stanley Cup won with Bobby Hull and the boys in 1961. We have a Black Hawks jersey worn by the Duparquet native during the early-to-mid-1960s. A label from Hawks’ supplier Olympic remains affixed to the collar, with a small size “50” fly tag directly beneath. Styled with an absolutely gorgeous multi-coloured Indian head team crest with embroidered detailing, the white V-neck sweater has been accented with black tackle twill sleeve and verso numbers, with matching tomahawk crests over each shoulder. With no fight strap present, six eyelet configuration on tie-neck construction has also been utilized on the vintage garment.
It should be noted that evidence is visible of former crests over the shoulders, as the jersey was recycled to an affiliate minor team (most likely the CHL St. Louis Braves), with the current crests restored. There is also a stitching line down the middle of the team crest, added for reinforcement. Game-wear includes heavy wear to the material over the front, with a few marks and small holes over each sleeve. A number of team repairs are also scattered about, with some staining situated around the left armpit.
Addendum; The jersey displays stitch outlines and evidence of a previous crest placement. It is also a possibility that this current crest was removed and re-attached due to shrinkage. Placement of the embroidered team crest and numbers, on sleeves and back, are consistent and correct for a circa 1961-62 jersey when compared to a 1961-62 Bobby Hull jersey we have sold in the past. The Hull shirt also has an identical Olympic tag although the size fly tag is a different style.
Additionally, there is evidence including stitch marks and a number of loose black threads that prove that the jersey once had a letter sewn to the right breast. This is atypical because photos from the period show the Chicago Black Hawks wearing their "C" and "A" on the left breast like almost all NHL teams. However, looking at the 1963-64 CHL St. Louis Braves team photo, it is evident that this farm club wore their letters on the right breast, proving this shirt at one time was worn in St. Louis.
Considering all the aforementioned evidence, we do believe this jersey to be a circa 1961-62 Elmer Vasko game-worn jersey which was then recycled to the CHL St. Louis Braves and the "C" crests on shoulders and the logo on the front of the jersey have been restored to their former state at some point during the 1960s.
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).