Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction February 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2018
While marketing accolades abound in the hobby with terms like “rare”, “scarce” and “stunning” regularly thrown around, it’s refreshing to be able to offer an item that truly meets the mentioned criteria. A specimen we’ve never seen or had the pleasure of handling before, we have an absolutely gorgeous wool “All-Star” sweater that according to our consignor, was worn by 1958 and 1959 gold medal-winning world champion George Gosselin in a mid-to-late-1950s OHA All-Star game. Void of any labeling and in solid red wool with blue and white sleeve, chest and lower hem striping bands, “All Stars” is affixed across the chest in individual thick white felt letters along with three stars placed above. “14” appears on verso in large white thick felt letters, with zig-zag pattern attachment utilized. In absolutely stunning NOS condition, this sweater is probably the best surviving example of its kind.
As mentioned, the vintage wool survives in unbelievable condition, with brilliant colors and supple wool. Absolutely no damage or wear is present, with even the white collar and cuffs free of the regular age toning that is almost always found on vintage wools. The included socks mentioned in the title are matching in colour with large holes present on each example.
Gosselin is a North Bay native who was an excellent two sport athlete, devoting his energies to hockey and softball. He was twice called upon to play in the World Hockey Championships. Gosselin was a strong skater and a hard worker and was a standout performer in the OHA/NOHA Senior ranks where he drew the attention of Wren Blair in the 1957 Allan Cup playoffs where his Whitby Dunlops eliminated the North Bay Trappers. Winning the right to represent Canada in the 1958 World Hockey Championships, he picked up Gosselin and the Dunlops went on to win gold against the Soviet Union in Oslo, Norway. The Allan Cup champion Belleville McFarlands did the same thing the following year, winning gold again in Czechoslovakia. Gosselin was also a standout softball player, starring in the GMFA and playing on four All Ontario Intermediate “A” Champions and one Co-champ. In 1951 and 1953 he was with Garland Pepsi's as they shared a title and then won one; in 1954 it was Parkview, 1955 Belmont and 1957 Brown Supply.
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