The Jean Beliveau Auction- February 2005
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/22/2005
Remarkable old wool jersey was worn by none other than Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe, during an era when hockey fans in the Motor City had plenty to cheer about each and every season. The jersey is circa 1954, a time when the powerful Red Wings were in the midst of racking up a record 7 consecutive regular season championships, while winning Stanley Cups in 1950, ‘52, ‘54 and ‘55. Sweater was originally obtained from Detroit general manager Jack Adams and apparently intended, along with others, for prison inmates in the Detroit area. The crests were removed but this particular jersey never made it to the prison. The Hockey Hall of Fame has collaborated this story. With the original winged wheel crest, this jersey would rank as one of the best Howe sweaters ever to be offered to the hobby. Some of the original thread that held it in place is still present. The Lippman's Sporting Goods tag is sewn in the left seam, just above the white-striped hem, and is joined by a size 50 fly tag. Jersey shows great game use and repairs. There are four either dime or nickel-sized repairs on the front, two of them by a rectangular one near the lower left hem. Two small repair jobs near the left elbow are joined by two nearby holes that went unrepaired. The right elbow area features 5 repairs, there are two more on the right shoulder and a sizeable rectangular job is on the back, directly beneath the "9" but close to the hem. Gordie's famous number "9" is in white tackle twill, or at least it was originally; it's now stained and discolored. Fantastic pilling both inside (mostly in the number area) and out (cuffs, back, armpits) is also of note, along with some bleeding at the sleeve stripes. Stitching the length of the right seam indicates that the jersey was taken in slightly. A letter of authenticity from the original owner will accompany this very special sweater. It will be an exceptional highlight of a vintage jersey/Howe collection. Please note that due to the amount of his original investment our consignor reserves the right to place "Reserve" on this sweater. Good luck with this outstanding piece of hockey history.
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