The 2009 Montreal Centennial Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2009
Although he never witnessed a championship game, Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, Governor General of Canada and the Earl of Derby, purchased for the price of ten guineas a trophy bearing his name for presentation to the amateur hockey champions of Canada. The Stanley Cup has since become the symbol of professional hockey supremacy. As Lord Stanley died in 1908 his autograph is usually absent from even the most complete of Hall of Fame collections. This lengthy four-page letter is entirely in Stanleys hand and has been elegantly signed at the bottom "Derby" and dated April 5, 1907. It is on letterhead from the Derby estate at Knowsley, Prescot and the front has a black memorial border as the subject matter contained within refers to the death of the recipients father. Stanley signed as Derby from the time he gained the title in 1892 until his death. In addition, the content of the letter also contains the word Derby referring to his wife, in handwriting nearly identical to the signature on the verso. One fold, otherwise in excellent condition with typical archival register holes at the top.
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