Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Winter 2021
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2021
A member of his hometown Selkirk Fisherman for four seasons which included a trip to the Allan Cup in 1919, Harry Oliver starred with the Calgary Tigers before his rights were purchased by the Boston Bruins after the collapse of the WCHL, in 1926. The plucky winger would spend eight seasons in Massachusetts with the brown and gold, hoisting Lord Stanley’s Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup in 1929 before concluding his HOF career in Manhattan with the New York Americans.
Hailing from just the second decade of existence for the formidable Boston Bruins franchise, this amazingly scarce Beantown sweater from the early-1930s has more than a few things going for it, including a Hall of Fame pedigree and a rare style that only saw use by the team for two seasons, 1932-33 and 1933-34. Only two sets of these sweaters were produced, so they are rarely seen in the hobby. With no labeling remaining and featuring an off-white body with the brown and gold striping bands the club first utilized, a thick and faded stylized “B” sits over a yellow felt base on the chest, with “9” sewn to verso in matching material. Well preserved, revealing little evidence of its almost 90-year vintage, the wool sweater remains supple with all material soft and pliable, with the yellow and brown colouration bold and still vibrant. Thankfully void on any unsightly marks or damage, good use is exhibited, with numerous team repairs visible including over the front (6), reverse (10), shoulders (3), sleeves (16) and at the base of the collar (5).
While originally produced for utilitarian use with little to no regard for posterity, this antique wool treasure now serves as both a masterpiece of Depression-era finery, and a tangible relic celebrating the infancy of one of the greatest sporting franchises in American history. An LOA from Classic Auctions will accompany, and please take note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
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