Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction November 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/28/2023
Formally established on December 10th, 1992, the Florida Panthers, the first professional ice hockey team in Miami since the folding of the Tropical Hockey League in 1939, would play their first National Hockey League season in 1993-94, playing their first five (5) seasons at Miami Arena before moving into National Car Rental Center, a hockey specific facility now known as FLA Live Arena, for the beginning of the 1998-99 season. Offered here, is this commemorative pickaxe used during the arena's "ice breaking ceremony" on November 15th, 1996. Provided by Centex Rooney Construction Co., Inc. with their name and logo branded into the wooden handle, the tool measures 35" in length and 22.5" in width at the top. Featuring a chrome head with a small chrome plaque reading "Boward County Arena - Ice Breaking Ceremony - November 15th, 1996" affixed to the side near the top, the piece shows wear through scratching and tarnishing to the chrome axe head with some of the plating having chipped off in areas as well while the wooden handle sports handling wear along with marks and abrasions. Of note, the head itself moves a bit on the handle. Additionally, also included with the lot is a commemorative limited-edition ticket from the Panthers first playoff game in franchise history that has been sealed in lucite. Serial numbered "248/500" along the bottom, the piece shows light handling wear and scratches/scuffs while overall presenting nicely. Finally, the last item included as part of the lot is a rubber rat used in Florida's "rat trick" celebrations that has been pained up with a jersey of Panthers captain, Brian Skrudland. Also in good condition with handling wear observed throughout, some of the hand painted design has flaked off over the years. All hailing from the personal collection of Brian Skrudland, his signed LOA will accompany the group.
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