Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction Spring 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/2/2023
Enamored by the fledgling game of ice hockey, Frederick Arthur Stanley – then Governor General of Canada – purchased a small trophy bowl in 1892 for ten guineas that would bear his name and become known as the Stanley Cup, with presentation originally designated to the amateur hockey champions of Canada, We offer this letter handwritten by Stanley and signed with his “Stanley of Preston” signature, the rarest of all his signature style used by him when his title stood as “Lord Stanley of Preston” (1886-1893) and is same as what is engraved on the Stanley Cup. Measuring approx. 4 ¾” x 7 ¼” the single fold over sheet displays fountain pen text written completely in Stanley’s hand that has oxidized in places over both the front and inside first page with Stanley signing “Stanley of Preston” at the letter’s conclusion. Dated May 12th, 1887 with a “Board of Trade, Whitehall Gardens” logo in the top right corner, the signature displays beautifully, with the ink slightly fading over time from black to a dark brown due to the aforementioned oxidization above. The letter itself sports moderate handling wear with a vertical crease that runs from top to bottom, with even toning and discoloration on the reverse of the letter being observed. Additionally, the letter’s original mailing envelope is also included with Stanley having penned his initial “S” at the bottom left corner. Showing moderate-to-heavy toning over both sides and measuring 5” x 3” (explaining why the letter was folding in thirds as well), the envelope sports wear to the edges and corners and has been torn at the top during opening. The original one cent stamp is affixed over the right hand corner and additional ink stamps decorate the front and reverse along with the recipients address. The back of the envelope a Board of Trade emblem as well.
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