Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction October 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/9/2016
Kings of the early Canadian gridiron, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues' first documented football game came about in 1861, and with the rules of rugby instituted in the late-1870s, the game evolved over the next half century to become the modern game of Canadian football we all recognize. Along with a national title as Dominion Champions in 1905, the U of T Varsity Blues would win the first three consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1909-11.
One of the earliest Grey Cup items in existence, we have a wonderful miniature Earl Grey trophy that was presented to the 1911 Grey Cup champion University of Toronto Varsity Blues by the U of T Athletic Association. Standing just over 9”, the miniature silver cup features beautifully arching and chased handles, with attractive engraved script that states “Miniature of the Earl Grey Cup presented by the University of Toronto Athletic Association to the Senior Champions 1911”. Additional text on the lower edge lists "Stock & Bickle Limited Sterling 925 fine”, with three hallmarks pictured. Perched upon a finished and tiered 3" wooden base, a small shield plaque has been affixed listing 18 team members.
The trophy cup displays extremely well despite a number of minor issues, including wear and scratches to the surface, along with additional wear to the wooden base, especially along edges. The left side handle is slightly “bent in”, with the circular continuity lost along both the base and top rim. A few small surface dents are also present, especially along the bent base, with tarnishing visible in a few areas as well. We should note that we have never handled a comparable example, with this trophy representing only the third year the famous Grey Cup was ever awarded.
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