Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Spring 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/16/2020
An important member of the fabled Thistles Hockey Club of Rat Portage just after the turn of the century, William George “Billy” McGimsie spent his entire career with the team, winning a Stanley Cup championship in 1907 before suffering a career-ending shoulder injury in an exhibition match against the Ottawa Senators. Originating from the incomparable autograph collection of E. Robert Hamlyn, we have photo signed by the 1963 HOF inductee, accompanied by a handwritten letter from his daughter. At 8” x 10” and picturing the early superstar in his Thistles wool, the black and white image has been signed over the bottom right as “WG McGimsie” in black ink, with the signature remaining dark. Passing just after his nation’s centennial in 1968, McGimsie was 88. THIS IS THE FIRST BILLY MCGIMSIE SIGNED PHOTO WE HAVE EVER OFFERED/SEEN.
With no issues for the signature, we should note that an indentation is visible before the start of the signature, with this done by McGimsie with no ink emerging. The photo itself shows light wear with a few very minor surface indentations, with “1967” handwritten along the base. Typed biographical notations are present over the reverse, including his 1880 birth year. The 8” x 10” letter from 1967 written to Hamlyn by his daughter mentions that she was unable to send any early period team photos, and she specifically mentions that her father – then in ill health – wanted Hamlyn to know that his hair was very blond during his playing days, as it didn’t appear as such in the signed black and white photo. Sporting just light wear, the letter remains in excellent condition, with a pair of punched holes over the top section for binder insertion.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).