Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction September 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/20/2023
An impressive years-in-the-making ensemble offered here is oh so close to being a "master" Montreal Canadiens portion of the 1945 to 1954 Quaker Oats issue. Variation after variation, including oh-so-difficult-to-locate examples are present and intriguing to compare, highlighted by four different of Maurice Richard, (including the scarce/coveted one picturing a young Rocket), four of Bill Durnan, three of Toe Blake, two different Hal Laycoe pictures, two John McCormack and "single" valuable appearances of Jean Beliveau, Floyd Curry, Elmer Lach, Mike McMahon and Grant Warwick - wow. Nearly complete with 95 of the 97 possible variations that make up the checklist present, duplicates are present for players such as Benoit, Blake (2 different), Curry (x2), Durnan, Fillon, Johnson, Lach (2 different), Laycoe (portrait), McCormack, Mosdell, O'Connor and Reay (x2) to account for a total of 111 pictures while missing just those of Glen harmon (Still no puck, with single and double fence uprights in background), and James Peters (still no bar showing above head, tip of stick blade cropped). With all of the most valuable examples present and accounted for in the collection, The 8" by 10 premium photos are on paper stock and prone to creasing/damage, with this group in overall pleasing condition and displaying well, with almost-standard light bends observed intermittently but minimal significant/unsightly flaws including things such as toning, foxing/stains, creases, handwritten notations in pen or pencil, pin holes, edge/corner wear and very small edge tears. A fascinating instant collection or interesting dealer inventory, this extensive stack of vintage collectibles offers much to be desired for any Canadiens or vintage collector chasing those coveted pieces.
For the notable and most valuable photos in the collection, the young Richard example presents with a few light bends and small creases as well as light toning with the story much the same for key specimens of Durnan, Beliveau, Richard ("Action" - small edge tear and spotting on the reverse and his "still" image), McCormack (in action vertical x2 - light pencil on the reverse of one, horizontal no issues beyond normal age and light corner/edge wear), Lach (x2 stick blade up from corner - spotting to the reverses of both), Laycoe (both the portrait and action shots - light mark on the reverse of the portrait and evidence of having been in a photo album on the reverse of the action shot along with surface wear), Curry (still x3), and Blake (autograph below skates - residue on the reverse). A fabulous collection that is sure to please any Canadians/vintage enthusiast.
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