Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2019
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/18/2019
Registering a 45 point-season during his inaugural NHL campaign in 1960-61 – enough to garner the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie, Dave Keon was an especially talented defensive-forward remembered for his speed. He would lead Toronto in scoring on three separate occasions, and would often shut down the opposing team’s star player. This was best exemplified when Keon was able to neutralize Jean Beliveau in the last two games of the 1967 Stanley Cup Final, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for his efforts. Named Leafs team captain in 1969, Keon would continue to wear the C throughout his remaining seasons with the club. With four Stanley Cups to his credit along with the aforementioned Conn Smythe and Calder Trophies, Keon would also add a pair of Lady Byng’s to his impressive list of accolades, which included enshrinement within hockey’s house of holy, in 1986.
We here at Classic Auctions are honoured to present Dave Keon’s 1960-61 Toronto Maple Leafs wool sweater worn during his Calder-winning rookie season, and it’s been photo-matched! Currently void of any labeling, the vintage garment measures-out to approx a modern size 46. Featuring the forever-classic Toronto team crest constructed of thick felt finished in Leafs’ blue with white accent threading, “Toronto Maple Leafs” has been appliqued, with the crest layered over a white felt base. “14” appears over verso in thick royal blue twill, with the desirable sweater also utilizing dual sleeve and waist striping bands, as well as six-eyelet configuration on tie-neck construction. It should be noted that the absence of sleeve numbers along with the use of a felt team crest all point to 1960-61, as the Maple Leafs started wearing sleeve numbers in circa 1961-62, with felt team crests last appearing circa 1962-63. Showing no sign of its vintage, the wool treasure retains in bright and bold blue colouration, with all material remaining supple, with the team crest and verso numbers tightly affixed. There are a few random marks present and light pilling, with a couple small rust-coloured stains over the lower verso and a small tear at the base of the “4”. An included numeric image of Keon from his rookie season has been photo-matched to the hand-embroidered details in the Leafs' team crest, particularly the "veins" of the maple leaf on the interior of the crest, and to the slightly angled placement of the crest.
Voted the greatest Maple Leaf of all-time during the club’s centennial anniversary in 2016, Keon’s matching solid blue Leafs rookie sweater was hammered down for over $85,000.00 here at Classic in 2016, placing this garment’s status as one of considerable hobby and hockey prominence. Please take note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
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