Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2014
Spectacular trophy is the actual one that was awarded to the legendary Edmonton Mercurys upon winning the 1950 World Championship held in London, England. Unlike the current system of shaping a roster from the best available individual players for international competitions, entire teams would challenge for the right to represent Canada. In 1950, that honour went to the Edmonton Mercurys of the Alberta Amateur Hockey Association. We now also believe this trophy was presented as well to the 1952 Olympic & World Champion Mercurys as per photographic evidence, with both 1950 and 1952 team photos and a video of the 1952 team showing this trophy. Originally obtained from a high-ranking IIHF executive, this show-stopper stands a majestic 13 1/2" tall. Two 1 1/2" x 5” silver-coloured plaques are affixed on opposite sides of the dark wooden base, which stands just under 3” tall. One of the plaques is engraved: “LIGUE INTERNATIONALE DE HOCKEY SUR GLACE CHAMPIONAT DU MONDE/ 4 E COUPE /” On the opposite side, the other plaque has four lines engraved: “1947 TCHECOSLOVAQUIE/1948 CANADA/ 1949 TCHECOSLOVAQUIE/1950 CANADA EDMONTON MERCURYS”. This trophy was previously sold by Classic Auctions and has had some repairs with silver plating redone to its original luster. There are a few dents to the ornate bowl rim and two nails missing from the base that do not diminish the trophy’s display. This fabulous and gorgeous piece of Canadian history will surely be the highlight of any international hockey collection. As for the metallic object of international hockey affection and attention, Classic Auctions has not been able to ascertain whether it is indeed made of sterling silver. Inside the inner rim of the insert opening, “CARL FREY & SOHNE” is engraved along with two marks; one mark reads “800” and the other is not very clear. Our research indicates that Carl Frey & Sohne was a jewellery retailer in what is now Poland. Regardless of its chemical composition, this precious piece of hockey hardware is worth far more than the material makeup of its physical frame, which is: 11 ½” diameter across the top, 7 ½” lower diameter, 11” height, with an 8” bowl depth.
The 17th Ice Hockey World Championships, which served double duty as the 28th European Hockey Championships, where held from 13 to 22 March 1950 in London, England. The reigning champion, Czechoslovakia, did not participate. The Mercurys did as expected and won all their games, aided by Leo Lucchini, Canada’s top point getter with 11 goals and 9 assists, and three shutouts from Wilbur Delaney during the seven-game tourney. Other members of the magical Mercurys were: Hassie Young, Ab Newsome, Billy Dawe, Harry Allen, Doug Macauley, Don Stanley, Bob Watt, Marsh Darling, Al Purvis, John Davies, Doug Kilburn, Pete Wright, Don Gauf, Robert David and Jack Manson. Davies, Dawe, Gauf, Purvis and Watt went on to win gold for Canada at the 1952 Olympics, something no other Canadian team would accomplish until the Salt Lake City Games in 2002. Purvis went to success in another sport, working as a director with the Edmonton Eskimos during their run of five consecutive Grey Cups from 1978 to 1982. Kilburn was inducted into the Canadian Hockey HOF and Alberta Sports HOF for his work with junior hockey and as a linesman in the old WHL.
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).