Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction March 2010
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/16/2010
Ultra-interesting find is this 90-year old gold ring with "TIGERS '20" on the front. The black and gold/yellow colors correspond with the Hamilton Tigers of the NHL, with other aspects leading us to believe that it is indeed a Hamilton team ring. A scripted "4.3.21" date in joined on the interior of the band with what appears to be a "T.P. Bowman" name, one that does not match that of a '20-21 Tigers' player, but could be that of a team official or one of the ownership group. The Tigers' first NHL season was 1920-21 and the ring was purchased from an antique dealer who obtained it on a buying trip in Hamilton, Ontario. Stamped "10K" and "K & B" on the interior, the size 10 treasure is extraordinarily fascinating and has survived in excellent condition. [red]
Addendum; It has been determined that his ring was awarded to a member of the Hamilton Tigers Football Club and was not given for hockey. Research done by Hamilton-area collector Tony Hanson has uncovered an old microfilm article in the Hamilton Spectator on page 22 of the Saturday March 5th, 1921 edition (the day after the ring's inscribed date). The small article, titled "Tiger Players Wearing Rings", said the rings were presented at the Annual Banquet for the previous season at the Royal Connaught. The story went on to say "the senior and intermediate members were presented with a ring suitably engraved as an appreciation of the services rendered to the club on the gridiron last year." The Hamilton Tigers are one of Canada's oldest sports franchises, capturing their first Ontario Rugby Football Union title in 1890 and winning 5 Grey Cup victories before 1950. In 1950 the Tigers would merge with the Hamilton Flying Wildcats to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and go on to play in the CFL. It is possible that the ring belonged to former Tigers and Argonauts player "Webb" Bowman.[/red]
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