Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2024
Originally given by noted and longtime Montreal Canadiens equipment manager Eddy Palchak to our consignor's grandfather Matt Leyden; one of the founders and former long-time GM and executive of the Oshawa Generals for three decades - from the early-1940s to the early-1970s - we offer a desirable Montreal Canadiens / Montreal Junior Canadiens mid-to-late-1960s #4 wool sweater. Gifted to Leyden by Palchak during a road trip to Montreal to play against the Junior Canadiens who played out of the Montreal Forum during the era, the sweater has been in our consignor's possession since the death of his grandfather, in 1975.
The correct style worn by both the Montreal Canadiens and Junior Canadiens circa 1965-66 to 1969-70, the only player to wear the #4 for the Habs was Jean Beliveau during the era, who served as team captain from the early-1960s until his retirement after the conclusion of the 1970-71 NHL season. While there is no evidence of the removal of a captain's "C", it should be mentioned that the 1969-70 Canadiens team photo shows Beliveau wearing a sweater without the captain's "C'. The sweater also measures-out to roughly a modern size 46, which is the correct size for a Beliveau jersey of the era. Players that wore the #4 for the Junior Canadiens during the era include Norm Descoteaux in 1965-66, Pierre Bouchard in 1966-67 and 1967-68 (wearing "A"), and Serge Lajeunesse in 1968-69 (Memorial Cup champions) and 1969-70.
With no label remaining, the vintage wool sweater features the iconic "CH" logo to the chest in layered tackle twill, with "4" in matching material sewn to the sleeves and verso. Exhibiting nice, prolonged game-use and sporting rich colouration with the red body and blue and white striping bands bright and vibrant, the tie string to the collar appears to be original, and there is some minor toning/discolouration to the sleeve and verso numbers. There are a few small stains to the team crest, with three team repairs along the front and reverse collar. Additional team repairs are visible, with three to the left sleeve and one to the lower reverse, with small holes over both shoulders and at the bottom of the lower reverse band. We should also note very slight bleeding of the red colour at the armpits and to the top white reverse band, as well as some light pilling to both the interior and exterior. A very pleasing specimen overall showing great use, this wool sweater from the mid-to-late-1960s was used in the Montreal Canadiens organization, but it is unknown if by the Montreal Canadiens or the Montreal Junior Canadiens.
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