The 2009 Montreal Centennial Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2009
The young Howie Morenz was an obvious talent, starring for his hometown team in Mitchell, Ontario before moving on to play junior hockey in Stratford. The Montreal Canadiens got wind of Howies abilities and signed him on a two-year deal only to see him to break his contract and head home to Mitchell, homesick. The Canadiens were not to be denied however and visited the Morenz family, placing the then huge sum of $850 on the Morenz kitchen table as a signing on fee. Howie was a Hab again. Howies rookie year in 1923-24 resulted in him helping the Montreal Canadiens to their first league title since 1916. This immensely important document signs Howard William Morenz to a two-year term with the Montreal Canadiens covering the 1923-24 and 1924-25 seasons. The contract calls for Howie Morenz to be paid the sum of $1500 per season with a $100 option for a total of $1600 for each of his first two years in Montreal. Dated the 6th day of July, 1923, and signed at the bottom by Howie and Cecil Hart for the Canadiens, the document is also witnessed by Howies father with a clause witnessed by Leo Dandurand and Cecil Hart and initialed by Morenz in the margin. Hart & Howie have marked their initials to another handwritten bonus addendum clause agreeing to an additional sum of $200 if the club finishes first in the league and a lesser amount for a second place finish. Another section at the very bottom is agreed to by Morenz who has signed once more H.W. Morenz, as he acknowledges receipt of an advance of $300 on account of above. So, in all, the light green double-sided page has been autographed twice by Howie Morenz with two more instances of his mark by initials. The signed and dated agreement does not have the signature of the League President on the front and we believe that this was the copy retained by Howie at the time of the signing. In aged and character-filled condition with folds and stains, filled out in vintage fountain pen ink. Truly deserving of prominent display in Hockeys Hall of Fame, this piece is destined to be the focus of a formidable private collection. Please note that this item is subject to a silent reserve.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).