Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2020
Two shockers highlight this collection, with George Springate prominent indeed during his years at McGill University, captaining the Redmen football team, while being a member of the Scarlet Key Honour Society, while earning two law degrees, while continuing his police officer duties, (he was the "English Voice" for the Montreal force) and while being a radio and television personality - incredible! A magnificent framed oil painting done and signed by “Donnini” in 1968 depicts the smiling star, while an impressively preserved cardigan sweater is a “Scarlet Key Society” affair, joined by a framed “M” chenille crest and little Scarlett “key”. George’s framed Redmen football tie and interesting photos complete, with more details on our website.
The painting, done from a photograph (with the said vintage photo, autographed by George, to be included), measures a big 31” by 42-1/2” including its frame, with a striking McGill crest adorning the sweater, with the Scarlet Keys representing leadership at the school. “Virgin Orlon” and “by Knit-Rite Mills Ltd.” appears on the label sewn in the inner collar. The framed letter and key display is approximately 11” square, while the dandy necktie is framed to 11” by 22” and joined by a (loose) McGill tie clip. Three original 8” by 10” photos and a color snapshot picture George on graduation day in 1969. A unique collection of a truly unique Canadian awaits its new appreciative home and will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from the Springate family.
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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