The 2009 Montreal Centennial Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2009
One of the most visually appealing jerseys ever made was worn by arguably the best hockey player ever. This jersey has real history. It was once given to one of the trainers chosen for the Northern Division of the IHL All-Star Game in 1972-73. The team wore the NHL All-Star jerseys that were last used during the 1969-70 NHL All-Star Game (The Southern Division used their own IHL jerseys). Among the 20 or so NHL jerseys sent for use was this Bobby Orr #4 sweater. At that time the NHL players didnt keep the jerseys worn in the All-Star Game so this was not the least bit unusual. After the 1970 game, the NHL purchased new All-Star sweaters. This Orr jersey was not used in the IHL All-Star Game and instead ended up in the hands of one of their trainers. The jersey was then given to a fellow who has kept it since 1973. He put it under glass where it remained until 1992. At that time it was placed in a cedar chest where it has resided until now. The family has decided that it deserves to be shown and appreciated and that it is why it is now available. Bobby is seen wearing this very jersey on the cover of Here Comes Bobby Orr a copy of which is included in this lot. Also here included is an 8 x 10 photo of him entering the ice for the 1970 All-Star Game wearing this very jersey and a photocopied page from the following years All-Star Game program showing Bobby in the sweater. This jersey was also worn the year before by Hall-of-Famer Jean Beliveau. Remnants of a number 19 lie beneath Orrs 4 because it was a backup jersey that was never actually worn before Beliveau wore it in an All-Star Game. Orr was the last one to wear it and it still has the original 4 on the front, back, and both sleeves. Original ORR nameplate sewn on the back just as it was in the game. In fact, the two stars on the back were covered by the nameplate and are still visible on the inside of the jersey. Two repairs on the back to sew up the removal of the former number 1. Two more repairs for the same purpose on the right sleeve. Fine use with sweat stains and some pilling inside. This gorgeous wool sweater will come with proper documentation.
[red] ADDENDUM A: The two-tone orange and black star sewn on the left breast of the jersey has been matched to the photo of Orr as he prepares to step on the ice in the pre-game introduction. The orange embroidering work makes each star sewn onto these all-star jerseys distinct and unique. The spacing between the outer black fabric base of the star varies as per the placement of the orange star superimposed with orange thread embroidering. The placement of the orange star over the black star is a match in the photo, clearly visible in all five points of the stars. As an example, the upper point has the orange star drifting more to the left edge of the black star, leaving a thinner black space on the left edge and more black fabric visible on the right edge. [/red]
[red] ADDENDUM B: The two-tone orange and black stars sewn on the left and right breast of the jersey have also been photo matched to a UPI photo of Bobby Orr and John McKenzie on ice before starting their workout for the 1970 NHL All-Star Game. The placement of the orange stars over the black stars are a match in the photo, clearly visible in all points of the stars. A digital high resolution photo will be provided to the buyer.[/red]
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