Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2021
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/26/2021
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2018, Willie O’Ree is recognized as the first black player to play in the NHL, seeing action in a pair of contests with the Boston Bruins in 1957-58. Time would be spent before and after in numerous leagues throughout his lengthy pro career, including with the QHL Quebec Aces in the mid-to-late-1950s and WHL San Diego Gulls throughout the late-1960s/early-1970s. From his time with the Gulls that ranged from 1967-68 to and including the 1973-74 season, we have a Gulls jersey worn by O’Ree during the late-1960s/early-1970s (O’Ree is listed as wearing the #20 jersey for the Gulls throughout his full tenure with the club). A tattered Olympic label is partially affixed to the collar, with the vintage durene sweater measuring-out to roughly a size 52. Styled with “Gulls” arching across the chest in layered tackle twill, “20” is sewn to the sleeves and verso in matching material, with the garment never sporting a fight strap. Great game-use is visible, with heavy wear to the material throughout including numerous material pulls and marks, with each cuff hem somewhat unraveled. Some reinforcement stitching was also added to areas of the sleeve and verso numbers during the period. This is the only Willie O’Ree game-worn jersey we have ever offered.
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