Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Winter 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2020
Securing several scoring titles with Port Arthur despite his defensive position, Gordon “Phat” Wilson led the Bearcats to a trio of Allan Cup championships in the mid-to-late-1920s, with numerous offers to turn professional including with Toronto, turned down. We have an exceedingly rare postcard signed by the 1963 HOF inductee, originating from the collection of the former curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Lefty Reid. At the standard 3 ½” x 5 ½”, Wilson is pictured in a full length pose, with his countenance stating all business. A lengthy note in Wilson’s hand graces the reverse, including “this is the only full length picture I have”, “It was taken in 1919”, and “Could we have it back?”. Signed just “Phat” in red ink, the signature displays well, with additional handwritten notations over the reverse along with an inventory number from the original HOF.
The postcard exhibits surface/corner wear including some scratches, with a bit of residue left over the upper corners from previously affixed tape, with toning over the reverse.
Taking what he described as "a basement full of old sticks and pucks" to create a world class museum after the retirement of the Hall of Fame’s first curator, Bobby Hewitson, in 1967, Maurice H. "Lefty" Reid was raised in Leamington, Ontario, and began volunteering at the Hockey Hall of Fame after moving to Toronto where he worked as a sports layout editor, at The Toronto Telegram. Serving as secretary for the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee as well as curator during his tenure at the Hall, Reid also held many positions with ASMHOF (Association of Halls of Fame and Museums) including President and Vice President. Later honoured with a key to the city of Peterborough after voluntarily helping to create a new sports hall of fame in the locale, Reid was honoured with induction into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, in 2006.
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