Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/16/2020
Rare and historic Olympic hockey memorabilia here will notably excite Canadians for it was on Sunday night, February 24, 1952 in Oslo, Norway that the Edmonton Mercurys tied the United States 3-3 to win the gold medal, Canada’s last until the Canadian NHLers claimed gold in 2002 in Salt Lake City. Canada’s record was 7-0-1 for 15 points in the 1952 round-robin tournament, two more than the U.S. (6-1-1) who brought home silver medals. The Mercurys scored 71 goals in the tournament, while allowing just 14, with Bob Watt contributing 3 goals and 6 points in 8 games played and helping Canada to its sixth Olympic gold medal in ice hockey with the tournament played indoors for the first time.
This is literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a true piece of Canadian hockey history. In this lot we have the gold medal won by Bob Watt while representing Canada with the Edmonton Mercurys at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway, accompanied by his Olympic diploma. Designed by Greek artist Vasos Falireas (obverse) and Knut Yran (reverse), the approximately 136 gram medal’s obverse depicts the Olympic rings with a superimposed torch with “Olympia” in Greek in the background. Around the design, the Olympic motto “Citius Altius Fortius” arches across the bottom (Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”) and the inscription “Jeux Olympiques” (in French) arches across the top. Near the bottom edge is the name of the manufacturer “TH.M/C.S.” (Theo Marthinsen). The reverse of the medal, which has a diameter of 71mm (approx. 2 ¾”), includes the inscription “De VI Olympiske Vinterleker Oslo 1952” complemented by the pictogram of the Oslo Town Hall and three snowflakes. The silver-gilt medal (silver gilded with gold) is stamped “Th. Martinsen Norway Sterling” along the edge and comes with its original “Th. Martinsen Norway” presentation box which is worn-out but still solid. The obverse of the medal exhibits areas with grouping of small dents on the edge at one o’clock, six o’clock and ten o’clock and a few fine small scratches. The reverse of the medal shows fine scuffing and a few fine scratches as well. Despite these minor defects, the medal displays beautifully. The diploma is approx 11 ¾” x 16 ¾” and constructed of thicker stock, with the Olympic rings centered with “Oslo 1952” above and “Robert Watt, Gold Medal, Ice Hockey" below (translated from Norwegian). There is some toning to the diploma, with a fold and a few edge tears along the top, along with some minor foxing over the reverse.
Canada's hockey team were the only one to bring gold back home from the Games. We cannot stress how extremely rare and significant gold medals from these Games are, as this piece is worthy of inclusion in any world-class Olympic, hockey or Canadiana collection. Please take note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
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