Historical Hockey Memorabilia Spring 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2012
The New York Americans were the NHL's second team based in the United States and their uniforms proudly displayed their national patriotism. A magnificent find, offered here is a very rare white and red Americans sweater worn by center Art Chapman in the mid- to late-1930s. The Americans joined the league one year before the Rangers, opening the old Madison Square Garden on 48th Street in 1925. The Blueshirts got to the Stanley Cup first, though, in 1928 and again in 1933, relegating the Americans to also-ran status in Manhattan. In fairness, although the hapless Americans only made the playoffs five times in their 17-year existence they did upset the Rangers in the first round of the 1938 playoffs, the first of three straight postseason appearances. Chapman began his 10-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins in 1930-31 and spent his last seven seasons with the Amerks, leading the league in assists in 1934-35 and 1935-36.
Featured on the front of this style of white jersey worn by the Americans from 1935-38 is a red, white and blue crest in multi-layered felt featuring interlocking NY in the middle with the team name spelled out in white letters. Arched across the top are six blue felt stars, all original to this fascinating wool creation. The still-colorful red and blue felt No. 7 on the back is also original, though six blue stars sewn-on above it are not as they were subsequently replaced. Brown Sports & Cycle tagging remains sewn inside the right seam, just above the hem. Original team repairs dot this vintage wool, with six sewing fixes on the front, one on each shoulder, one on the right seam, two on the right sleeve, four on the left sleeve, one on the front left shoulder seam, and four on the back. Some six holes are grouped around the left front shoulder seam and there are a few more holes, on the front and back. The cream colored wool exhibits a little bleeding of the red wool at the cuffs. All told, this is a fascinating piece of hockey history from one of the NHL's most-fondly-remembered defunct teams.
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