Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction June 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/19/2018
Immortalized in verse, inspiring "Monsieur Joliat” by Wilson MacDonald, “The Mighty Atom" Aurele Joliat spent a glorious 18 seasons representing the Bleu Blanc Rouge, with his status as an all-time Canadiens great cemented for generations to come. A menace to opposing goaltenders throughout his career and one not to be messed with despite his unassuming stature of a mere 136 lbs draped over his lanky 67 inches, Joliat was the first documented player in NHL history to record an empty net goal, sealing the victory for the Habs in a January 21, 1932 contest against the rival Leafs. The temperamental winger was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP in 1934, with Second Team All-Star selection in 1932, 1934 and 1935, along with being chosen at left wing for the inaugural NHL First All-Star Team in 1931. Honoured as a selected member of Montreal's 75th anniversary all-time team in 1984, Joliat remains 9th on the Habs’ all-time scoring list, with enshrinement within the Hall of Fame occurring for the Ottawa native in 1947.
A specimen that serves as ONE OF THE EARLIEST MONTREAL CANADIENS GAME-WORN SWEATERS we’ve ever been fortunate enough to offer at auction, we have an exquisite wool Habs sweater that was worn by Aurele Joliat during the Canadiens’ third Stanley Cup championship season of 1929-30, and fortuitously, it’s been photo-matched! Currently void of any labeling or tagging, the vintage wool measure’s approx. 19” across the reverse from armpit to armpit, equating to roughly a size 38. Featuring the sacred CH team crest – only two decades old at the time – fully administered in layered red and white felt, a second diminutive crest in matching material sits centered between the left sleeve's striping bands. Along with the familiar sleeve and chest bands, additional blue and white striping bands have been utilized over both the waist and cuffs, with “4” placed over the verso in thick white felt.
Surviving admirably despite it’s almost century of life and boasting vibrant colours, a few small marks are visible over each sleeve, along with some loose threading over the lower front hem. Small holes are also noticeable over the reverse and right sleeve, with larger examples above the team crest and near the right armpit. As a testament to Joliat’s aggressive play, there are team repairs over the upper and lower right seam, with a few smaller examples present including near the team crest. Some fading has also occurred to the blue striping across the front and over the left sleeve and cuff, with some bleeding at the right armpit as well as red staining over the reverse collar. The Canadiens 1929-30 team photo has been used for the photo-matches, with the image of Joliat showing the unique and distinct placement of the hand-sewn CH team crest on the front of the jersey, with each of these uniquely placed and hand sewn. The image also shows the matching placement of the second Habs logo over the right sleeve, with this the only Habs team photo from the era that exhibits the correct placement and size of both Canadiens emblems.
Further elevating the classic wool’s status as not only one of the earliest Montreal Canadiens sweaters to ever hit the auction block, this garment’s appeal can be multiplied when acknowledging it’s place as the ONLY KNOWN AURELE JOLIAT MONTREAL CANADIENS SWEATER TO EVER BE OFFERED. An LOA from Classic Auctions will accompany, and please take note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
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