Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2018
While recognized for his noted contributions to the creation and evolution of the goal mask, legendary netminder Jacques Plante was also the first backstop to signal teammates of an impending icing call by raising his arm. We have a professional Fibrosport mask, with this style identical to the example Plante wore during only his first season with the Leafs in 1970-71. Rarely seen and custom-molded by Plante and his coworkers at Fibrosport and not offered to the general public, the mask has sold previously as a game-used example, but photographic evidence clearly shows Jacques wearing a different mask in 1970-71, with the possibility existing of this example being a back-up or practice mask. Featuring professional-model black leather strapping, “#1 Plante” has been handwritten within the mask, with “#1 Jake” written over the top head strap. Some original padding remains, with residue left where additional padding has been lost. A detailed letter from Jacques Plante's son, Michel Plante, will accompany.
It should be mentioned that the thickness of the mask varies in spots, notably on each side, with this assuring a pro-molded design, not mass-production. According to Michel Plante's accompanying letter, the exterior fiberglass coating is made with the same kind of webbing used at that time by Fibrosport, with this material referred to as "roving 22 ounces" - used to give strength to the mask. Marks, scratches and abrasions are present, with a few chips over the chin section. There is also some wear to the surface – mostly along edges – with a few very fine surface cracks near the forehead, with these not continuing through to the reverse of the mask. The straps also show use with moderate wear, with the leather still supple. After competing in the 1970 Stanley Cup finals with the Blues, Jake the Snake would then be traded to Toronto, with his first season with the blue and white in 1970-71 witnessing the league’s lowest goals against average, with Second Team All-Star honours also bestowed.
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