Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2020
Falling victim to the Great Depression despite a successful start in the NHL in 1925-26, the Pittsburgh Pirates soon suffered at the box office, and with a sale to Big Apple bootlegger Bill Dwyer not able to improve the club’s lot, legendary boxer and promoter Benny Leonard – Dwyer’s front man – requested to transfer the club to Philadelphia. Re-christened the Quakers for their lone 1930-31 NHL season, the club would be coached by HOF referee Cooper Smeaton and led by fellow HOF member and three-time Stanley Cup champion Syd Howe. This collection of 16 individual Quaker team photos are extremely rare, with each further augmented with a gorgeous period signature from each player! At approx 4 ¾” x 6 ¾” (the three signed “team management” photos are 4 ¼” x 5 ¼”), each glossy black and white print has been signed in fountain pen, with many dated “1930-31”. Included are NHL stars Syd Howe, Wilf Cude, Allan Shields and Wally Kilrea, along with Cliff Barton, Gerry Lowrey, James Jarvis, Bill Hutton, D’arcy Coulson, Joe Miller, John McKinnon, Herb Drury and team captain Hib Milks. The remaining signed photos include a desirable example from Benny Leonard – a prize to boxing collectors – Cooper Smeaton and team trainer Archie Campbell.
The majority of the signatures display beautifully with just the odd area of light ink or minor smudge. The photos themselves show expected toning and corner wear, with no major creasing or damage.
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).