Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2025
Reinforcing his dominance as arguably the best player in the NHL, Bobby Orr continued to steamroll through the league in his third season in 1968-69, earning his second-consecutive James Norris Trophy and NHL first All-Star team selection as well as being the NHL Plus/Minus leader. The 1968-69 campaign would also see Orr score his first career NHL hat trick on December 14 against Chicago - where he added two assists for a five-point night, finish third in Hart Trophy balloting, and set the record for most points scored in one season by a defenceman with 64. Following this pivotal season, Orr would further cement his place among the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates with too many awards, records and accolades to mention, including the Calder Memorial, eight James Norris trophies - the most in history, three Hart Memorial trophies, two Art Ross and Conn Smythe trophies, eight consecutive NHL first All-Star team selections and a pair of Stanley Cup championship; all culminating in his induction to the Hall of Fame as the youngest player to ever receive the honour.
We here at Classic Auctions are thrilled to offer to the collecting community this completely unaltered and photo-matched Boston Bruins jersey with numerous team repairs worn by Orr during the 1968-69 NHL season. A slightly faded Wilson label is affixed to the collar, with the important garment measuring-out to roughly a size 52. Featuring the all-time classic Bruins spoked-B team crest to the chest in layered tackle twill, Orr's iconic "4" is sewn to the sleeves and verso in matching material. The fight strap has also been cut out and removed. Considering the fact that this prized specimen sports the original team crest and numbers with no alterations, it qualifies as a true survivor in it's first produced and worn state.
Regarding condition, the jersey sports ideal game-wear one would associate with both prolonged use and Orr's no-holes-barred style of play, where the defenceman would consistently risk injury with his blazing up-ice rushes and fearless abandon in corners. In fact, during the 1968-69 Stanley Cup playoffs vs Toronto, Orr was caught by Pat Quinn with a devastating hit as he rushed down the ice in Game 1, which knocked the d-man unconscious. Assessed a five minute penalty for elbowing, Quinn was attacked by a Boston fan in the penalty box, where he had to defend himself by swinging his stick and breaking the glass. Unable to be held back, Orr returned for Game 3 against the Leafs and assisted twice - including on Derek Sanderson's game-winner, with the mighty Bruins taking the series in four-straight games.
First, the FRONT; a few scuffs and stick marks are present on the team crest along with a very small stain, as well as material pulls and additional scuffs to the jersey, with some black threading added across the top of the front band on the left side presumably to repair a tear to the band seam. The tie string in the collar also appears to possibly be original, with threading added to the collar reinforcement just above the team crest. The front also has three square-shaped team repairs visible, including two to the upper left breast. REVERSE; there are a number of material pulls, with a few streaks of red paint transfer to the right side of the bottom band. Team repairs are also prevalent, with one material-backed inside the opening of the "4", one beneath the number, one to the upper left and one large example to the left of the number, with a few horizontal repairs to the band including one only visible on the interior at the center of the band. There are also a couple large specimens on the right side near the seam. Finally, there is a large swatch of material that has been added as a repair to the inside band on the right side that measures approx 2 1/4" x 7 1/4". LEFT SLEEVE; a bit of loose threading encompasses the top of the elbow where additional threading was added at some point, with five fairly large team repairs including a long 6 1/2" repair. There are also material pulls, and some minor pilling near the cuff. RIGHT SLEEVE; with a few small marks to the striping band, threading has also been added to this elbow at the top, and there are approx 7 team repairs including a huge 3" x 5" repair clump at the largest points, and a connected group of 3 repairs near the shoulder. SHOULDERS; there is a small hole on the reverse right shoulder as well as scuffs, with a large red paint transfer mark on the left side of the left shoulder. INTERIOR; there is some pilling/fraying.
The photo-matches total 4 and include the February 3, 1969 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring Bobby Orr on the cover. The image clearly shows the long diagonal black mark in the lower portion of the crest, with a few other marks on the team crest also visible. The photo-matches to the long diagonal black mark in the lower portion of the crest are also showing up on three included digital images, two of which are also showing some of the marks on the left shoulder area. Next, the jersey is photo-matched to an included digital image, a posed studio photo, which clearly shows the black mark on the top right area of the team crest as well as the particular stitching details and some marks located on the shoulders, collar and upper areas of the sleeves. Additionally, another included digital image has been utilized for the third match, with this action photo clearly showing the long team repair/mark on the back hem. Lastly, for the final match, another included digital action photo image has been matched to the long mark on the left shoulder, and despite the lower quality of the image, the placement of the mark on the image matches the one on the jersey.
While elevating historic jerseys to levels of paramountcy is commonplace in the hobby, this true museum-quality specimen exemplifies the highest level of importance and desirability when factoring in that it was worn by the man during his early career that many consider the greatest player in NHL history, along with it's completely unaltered state, considerable game-use, and well-exhibited wear. An LOA from Classic Auctions will accompany.
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