A Century of Memories Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2009
Fascinating off-white wool Montreal Canadiens captain's sweater from the early-1940s with a remarkable story to tell. Originally obtained from the personal estate of Canadiens icon Maurice "Rocket" Richard, this #11 Habs captain's sweater was worn by forward Ray Getliffe during the early-1940s. Hall of Fame center Elmer Lach states in a letter he has signed that he clearly recalls instances during that era where Getliffe wore the captain's "C" in the event that team captain Toe Blake was injured and unable to play. Blake missed nine games during the 1943-44 season, when the Canadiens posted 83 points with an incredible 38-5-7 mark to finish 25 points ahead of second-place Detroit. Getliffe, a member of the 1939 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, contributed 28 goals and 53 points in his sixth of seven seasons with the Canadiens, with whom he once again claimed the Cup in the spring of 1944. This historic Habs jersey features the captain's "C" in blue and red felt sewn onto the left breast, and the same materials for the #11 sewn on the back. The vintage CH crest on the front of this tie-down neck beauty is red, white and blue felt. Outstanding game wear includes a 3-inch long diagonal slash mark on the bottom front and extensive team repairs on the back of both sleeves. Another sewing fix by the Habs' equipment staff appears on the lower right front hem, while two dime-sized unrepaired holes in the blue and red bands on the front are the most significant of the nicks and cuts found on this prized find from the World War II era. Red bleeding under the arms, around the cuffs and on the right red shoulder yoke are to note while the overall condition of this 65-year-old gem is truly something to behold. Canadiens captains who wore #11 include Kirk Muller and Saku Koivu, who was photographed wearing this particular sweater. A digital copy of that photo will accompany this incredible and historic Montreal Canadiens captain's jersey, along with Elmer Lach's signed letter.
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