Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2020
Numerous possibilities with this splendid group of five Montreal Canadiens jerseys, with hockey icon Maurice Richard autographing each in bold marker on the sewn-on Habs crest, adding his classic encircled number “9”. Like-new jerseys are by Starter, are without numbers on the back and still have their original tags indicating men’s size XL. The organizer of numerous fundraising skate-a-thons, George Springate had the Rocket sign these at Montreal’s Molson Centre during a 1999 event that benefitted the Quebec Society for Disabled Children. Swell complements are different-size photographs from various skate-a-thons, with more images available on our website. A Letter of Authenticity from the Springate family will be included.
Photo highlights include an 8” by 10” shot picturing George posing with Maurice Richard and Gilbert Perreault in 1999, with the two Hall of Famers nicely autographing the pic, while the Rocket, George, Yvan Cournoyer and Henri Richard pose with the Stanley Cup in a 16” by 20” photo taken at a 1994 skate-a-thon at the Montreal Forum, with a participant joining the foursome in another similar, same-size photo. It’s great to check out legends Richard, Howe, Orr, Hull and Lindsay in their younger retired days, smiling and standing with Springate in two other 8 by 10s. George with Bobby (Hull) and again with Maurice (two 8 by 10s, two 5 by 7s) and a few miscellaneous photos complete. What’s neat/appreciated is that the jerseys and photos are all accompanied by big typed identifying notes informing of the dates, places and events. Organizer Springate and his organizing accomplice, wife Judy, sure were...organized!
The George Springate Collection
Classic Auctions is pleased to offer the personal collection of George Springate. A native Montrealer, George had an amazingly diverse and storied life. Long-time Montreal Alouettes fans know him as the placekicker for the 1970 Grey-Cup-winning Als, while also serving as a Quebec MNA; others for his police, education and political careers.
A unique Canadian, George made impressive contributions to his community, province and country throughout his life, for which he received the Order of Canada among many other honours. A superb fundraiser, he raised millions of dollars for Canadian youth, as well as other charities. Of particular interest to sports enthusiasts/collectors is his more than 50 years of organizing charity events, most particularly the dozens of celebrity skate-a-thons and Oldtimers hockey games that produced scarce and sought-after souvenirs, many featured in this auction.
While a Montreal police officer, George acquired two law degrees and played football at McGill University, was a radio and television personality, and a law professor for 33 years, co-founding the Police Technology Department at John Abbott College. Later in life, he served as a Canadian citizenship judge for 14 years, the last five as Canada’s Senior Judge. Following his death in November 2019, a House of Commons tribute stated, in part: "George was larger than life. He was a friend to all. He touched our lives by his friendship and his philanthropic work, which benefitted so many wonderful causes and organizations." Indeed, what a life!
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