Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2014
Much rarer than a cut signature or an autographed letter, this official Military Commission has been witnessed in vintage ink by the namesake of our most treasured trophy. Although he never witnessed a championship game, Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, Governor General to Canada and the Earl of Derby, purchased for the price of ten guineas a trophy bearing his name for presentation to the amateur hockey champions of Canada. The Stanley Cup has since become the symbol of professional hockey supremacy. As Lord Stanley died in 1908 his autograph is usually absent from even the most complete of Hall of Fame collections. This wonderful and scarce find is an ancient 12" x 15 3/4" page on thick linen paper and has been elegantly signed at the bottom "Fred Stanley" and dated December 7, 1878. The document promotes William Henry James Clarke Esquire to the position of Lieutenant Colonel. The future Lord Stanley has co-signed as Secretary of War, an office he held from 1878 to 1880 along with Officer Commanding in Chief, George B. Young, AKA Prince George Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904). Nicely preserved overall with expected folds.
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