Historical Hockey Memorabilia Spring 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2012
From a record-setting championship season comes this mesmerizing and story-provoking memento, the first of its kind presented to Montreal Canadiens' players in the history of the franchise and one of only a handful to ever be offered for public sale. After Montreal bettered Toronto's record with its fourth consecutive Stanley Cup triumph in the spring of 1959, this treasure was presented to Marcel Bonin, normally a supporting cast member who enjoyed his finest NHL hour, so to speak, starring that post-season while scoring an amazing 10 playoff goals, including the Stanley Cup-winner! The likable rugged forward had finished fifth in team scoring during the regular season with 13 goals and 43 points as Montreal took first place, Moore and Beliveau finishing one-two in the NHL scoring race, Plante winning the Vezina, Johnson the Norris and Backstrom the Calder. Come playoff time, Montreal was pushed to six games by Chicago before taking care of Toronto in a five-game final. Injured in the semi-finals, Beliveau did not play against Toronto and Rocket Richard was used sparingly throughout the playoffs, also because of injuries. Bonin, meanwhile, fired seven of his goals against Chicago and scored the winner in Game 1 against the Leafs, with his goal at 9:55 of the second period of the clinching 5-3 victory at the Forum proving to be the Cup-winning margin - what a spring!
The face of Mr. Bonin's ring features a raised image of Lord Stanley's trophy which has the four
Cup-winning years listed on the bands of the barrel. Encircling it are the words Canadiens' fans of the era never got tired of hearing, "World Hockey Champions". The Habs logo appears on one shank with "Bonin" engraved on a banner above. The NHL shield is on the opposite shank with "1956" and "1958" above and "1959" beneath. Stamped on the interior of the size 12 dazzler is "10K" and the manufacturer's hallmark. Expected light scratches and tiny dents are visible upon magnification, with wear noticeable on the letters that spell out those wonderful words; "World Hockey Champions." Presenting serious Canadiens collectors and championship ring enthusiasts with a phenomenal opportunity, this treasure from the best of times in hockey history-rich Montreal will be accompanied with a letter of authenticity from Classic Auctions, along with our congratulations.
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