Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/1/2011
George Armstrong was named as captain of the Leafs to start the 1957-58 season, and Conn Smythe put it best when he called Armstrong "the best captain, as a captain, the Leafs have ever had." Armstrong may not have lit up the scoreboard like some of his team mates, but his sound positional play, dependability and strength of character made him one of the most important players to ever wear the Maple Leaf on his chest. His contributions went beyond the score sheet. Armstrong certainly chipped in offensively, recording 713 points in 21 seasons with the team, but it is his leadership and resilience for which he will be most remembered. Spectacular and scarce style, dating back to the mid-1960s, was worn by George Armstrong while with the Leafs. The style matches uniforms worn by Toronto in 1963-64 and 1964-65, according to photographic research. Best is the thin letter "C" in crinkled tackle twill that is sewn on the left breast. Blue embroidery decorates the creamy maple leaf on the chest and the back holds Armstrong's number "10" in white, as it appears again on each upper arm. The lower inner hem reveals a frayed black supplier tag that lists the provider as "Doug Laurie Sports, Maple Leaf Gardens, 458 Church St. Toronto 5, Ont". The original white lace snaked through six eyelets at the tie-neck. Game wear includes stick marks and a pair of material runs on the right sleeve, with a small hole, another run, more marks and stains and a single team repair high up on the opposite arm. A few more smaller unrepaired holes turn up on the body along with more evidence of stick work and some difficult-to-spot staining. One more stitched team repair can be found on the upper back of the jersey. This amazing and early durene is an incredible find and was worn during the Championship years by a much-loved team captain who found his way into hockey's Hall of Fame in 1975.
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