Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction June 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/15/2016
Somewhat of a mystery, in this lot we have a full-size adult one-piece stick that’s been cut down with inscriptions that are barely visible. While we have handled a number of vintage sticks with inscriptions and notations, what makes this example special is the fact that it appears to be signed as a sort of memorial memento, as mention of someone passing is listed along with the date of their funeral. While the majority of the writing appears to be straight signatures that can’t be made out, closer to the blade the following can be deciphered, “Oliver Hockey Day Friends and Admirers”, followed by in quotations “He always played the game cleanly” and “Died Monday May 15/44”. Next to this inscription is “Funeral at Sandrock Funeral Home May 18/44”.
Noted Hall of Famer Oliver Siebert died on May 15th 1944, and we feel it’s entirely plausible that the stick was signed at a game or similar event held in his honour. It’s also interesting to note that Siebert passed away in his home in Kitchener, which does have a “Sandrock” funeral home. More research may uncover the stick’s origin, but we’ll leave that for the winning bidder to undertake if they so desire. There are a few holes near the top of the shaft most likely from a former mounting, giving additional credence to the stick bearing some significance as a cherished memento. Siebert played with Berlin (Kitchener) at the turn of the century in the old Western Ontario Hockey Association, and was one of the first players to turn pro when he signed a contract with the Canadian Soo early in 1905. He was also the father of Hall of Famer Earl Siebert.
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