Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2023
Kings of the early Canadian gridiron, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues' first documented football game came about in 1861, and with the rules of rugby instituted in the late-1870s, the game evolved over the next half century to become the modern game of Canadian football we all recognize. Along with a national title as Dominion Champions in 1905, the U of T Varsity Blues would win the first three consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1909-11. One of the earliest Grey Cup items in existence, we have a wonderful miniature Earl Grey trophy that was presented to William Curtis of the 1911 Grey Cup champion University of Toronto Varsity Blues by the U of T Athletic Association. Standing just over 9”, the miniature silver cup features beautifully arching and chased handles, with attractive engraved script that states “Miniature of the Earl Grey Cup presented by the University of Toronto Athletic Association to the Senior Champions 1911”. Additional text on the lower edge lists "Stock & Bickle Limited Sterling 925 fine”, with three hallmarks pictured. Perched upon a finished and tiered 3" wooden base, a small shield plaque has been affixed listing 18 team members. Regarding condition, there is a bit of wear to the base along edges, with a very small dent to the trophy beneath the engraved text. There is also some surface wear to the mini plaque on the base that lists the team members. These minor imperfections can easily be forgiven, as the century old trophy displays absolutely beautifully, and will serve as a centerpiece in any football, CFL or Canadiana collection.
William Curtis was born in 1891 in the small town of Tillsonburg, part of Oxford County in Ontario. One of four sons growing up in tobacco country, Curtis served his nation during The Great War in the cavalry. Gifted with movie star looks, Curtis graduated from the University of Toronto with a mining engineering degree, and was a valuable member of the Varsity Blues football team, later working for the Hollinger Gold Mines in Timmins, Ontario.
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).