Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction March 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/29/2011
Only one player can lay claim to the handle "Mr. Hockey". Gordie Howe did it all. Howe retired from the game at the astonishing age of 51 after 32 seasons with six Harts, four Stanley Cups, 801 goals and 1,850 points. And that's not including his World Hockey Association stats! Howe left the game, seemingly, after the 1970-71 season and did not play for two full years. In 1970-71 Howe would score 23 goals and add another 29 helpers over a 63-game schedule. It has been years since a great Gordie Howe game jersey has been offered in the hobby. The wait was well worth it. We are pleased to present a conclusively photo-matched durene number 9 knit, worn by Howe during the year he hung up the skates (for the first time!). This all-original uniform boasts the famous number "9" on the back in single-layer tackle twill and this is repeated twice more on the arms in smaller white numerals. Tagged in the collar by Olympic Sporting Goods with a frayed size 48 tag hanging below. Rust colored blood stains show up high up on the shoulder and in a few other spots on the front and Howe has added a perfect red marker signature just below the embroidered winged-wheel crest. Game wear includes some green paint transfer on the front, more red paint on the lower hem, a handful of smaller unrepaired holes and material snags, at least a dozen solid stick marks and fraying at the inner seams from contact with Howe's equipment. This example is photo-matched to the distinctive characteristics of sewing on the crest to an included photograph. Additional crest details show up on Howe's 1971-72 OPC card. In addition, a pair of white lines on the right side of the collar, with no lines present on the opposite side can also be seen in the photos. Digital copies of the images used to make the match will accompany the lot and be forwarded to the winning bidder. Please note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
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