Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/16/2020
Contributing greatly to the success of the New York Islanders and their bid to capture the franchise’s second-consecutive Stanley Cup championship, Wayne Merrick would register an impressive point-a-game throughout the 1980-81 NHL playoffs, hoisting Lord Stanley’s hardware with his Long Island teammates after scoring 18 points in 18 playoff games. This signed Islanders jersey worn by Merrick has been photo-matched to the 1981 Stanley Cup finals, and it’s accompanied by a game-worn and signed helmet. Sandow labels with handwritten “11” grace the collar, with the jersey measuring-out to a size 52. Styled with the iconic Long Island team crest, “11” appears over the sleeves and verso in blue-over-orange twill, with “Merrick” across the affixed nameplate in matching material. The CCM helmet in Isles’ blue originates from circa 1979-83, with intact visor, chin strap and interior padding. Islanders’ decals grace each side, with Merrick signing in silver, adding “Stanley Cup Champs 80-83”.
Noting the provenance of the jersey, it was originally gifted to a family friend from Merrick’s hometown of Sarnia, Ontario. After the original recipient of the jersey passed away, their daughter sold it, as she received it as part of her inheritance. Merrick has signed over the upper front in black marker, with no issues for the signature. Exhibiting moderate to heavier game use, there are large stick marks over the lower front and right sleeve, with a small hole over the left elbow. Board burns are also visible, with a large example over the lower band along with a resulting slit, with a second burn over the first upper “1” on the reverse. We should further note that the original fight strap was cut and removed, with a second loop-style fight strap added just above. Getty Image #155788174 (May 1981 Stanley Cup Finals) has been matched to the long black mark on the left shoulder (above the signature), while Getty Image # 72680867 (May 21st 1981 Stanley Cup Finals Cup-clinching games celebrations) has been matched to the long black mark starting in the first "S" of Islanders in the team crest, and to the black mark in the middle of the hockey stick blade. For the helmet, Merrick is shown wearing a similar CCM helmet with visor on his 1980-81 OPC hockey card, with the photo dating from the 1979-80 season. The only other photo we could find of Merrick wearing a visor is a 1983-84 pre-season photo, concluding that the head gear saw use between 1979 and 1983. Moderate to heavy use is exhibited, with numerous scratches and abrasions to the surface, with the interior padding and chin strap also showing heavy wear.
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