Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction February 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/20/2024
A long-time member of the Chicago Black Hawks organization from the mid-1960s to the early-1970s, starting with their OHA club, the St. Catharines Black Hawks and continuing to their CHL minor league team in Dallas and eventually up to the big show of the National Hockey League in Chicago, Jean-Paul LeBlanc would suit up in 153 NHL games during his career for both the Black Hawks and Detroit Red Wings as well as in 248 WHA contests with teams like Los Angeles, Michigan/Baltimore and Denver/Ottawa. Offered here, we present this photo-matched Dallas Black Hawks jersey worn by LeBlanc during the 1969-70 Central Hockey League season. A lightweight durene knit construction garment made by General Athletic, the outline of the company's label can still be seen over the reverse hem while frayed Gunzo's labeling that still features their original Berwyn address is affixed to the inner collar. Of note, this style of tag is said to have been phased out after the 1968-69 season and it is possible that the jersey was issued to the team and LeBlanc the year before as well based on that. With the size tag frayed beyond comprehension, the jersey measures out to a modern day "46". Decorated over the front with the famous Indian head team crest proudly sported by the NHL’s Windy City and distinguishable from the parent club by the gorgeous “D” tomahawk patches over each shoulder, both emblems featured beautiful chain-stitched embroidery throughout their entirety. Having had LeBlanc's number "10" sewn to the sleeves and verso in single layer white tackle twill numerals and no nameplate of any kind, the "1" on the reverse has been folded over on its sides and both numbers show signs of hastily done stitching and sew jobs/reattachment on them. Additionally, the hem was shortened at some point as well. Exhibiting good game-wear, some couple largely washed out stick marks are scattered throughout while a team repair is observed at the left collar bone. With some stains spotted over the left sleeve and other large team repairs around both cuffs, including one on the left one that has resulted in a fabric run, some board burns and scrapes are also present, seen over the sleeves and reverse while some damage is found at the bottom of the "0" on the reverse. Sporting some light pilling/fraying on the interior, it is also worth pointing out that the stitching for the elbow reinforcements has come undone and they are loose on the inside. Regarding the aforementioned photo-matches, an undated image taken during a game versus the Tulsa Oilers from the 1969-70 season has been matched to the uneven size and placement of the hastily sewn on number "1" on the reverse as well as the slightly tilted nature of the "0" additionally, another image from the same game appears to show the fraying on the inside of the "0" at the bottom as well.
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