Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction June 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2017
First developing skills on a Saskatchewan pond shortly before the onset of the Great Depression, Elmer Lach received his first taste of senior hockey with seasons spent in the S-SSHL with both Weyburn and Moose Jaw, before embarking on 14 seasons at the top with the most storied hockey club in history. Well remembered as the centering force to the powerful Punch line with Rocket Richard and Toe Blake, Lach would lead the NHL in scoring on two occasions, securing the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1945 as the league's most valuable player. Three Stanley Cups would be won during his tenure with the Habs – the only team Lach would play for, along with Art Ross Trophies in both 1945 and 1948, with the Nokomis native the league's all-time leading scorer upon his retirement in 1954. Enshrinement within the hollowed Hall of Fame would follow a dozen years later, in 1966.
We are pleased to be able to offer our loyal bidders a Montreal Canadiens alternate captain’s sweater worn by Lach in the early-1950s, and it’s been signed by the deceased superstar. Most likely hailing from the 1951-52 season due to the combination of the type of team crest (twill over felt), along with the font of the reverse “1” from photographic evidence that points to that season. An indecipherable tag sits attached to the inside hem, with the vintage wool styled with the famous CH team crest administered in twill over felt, with the familiar blue and white sleeve and lower striping bands utilized. The alternate’s “A” is white over blue felt, with the zig-zag pattern attached “16” on verso in matching material. Lach has signed on the upper chest just above the team crest, and the signature displays well, with only subtle bleeding/fading. Heavy pilling is present in spots on the sweater, with a few minor holes including an example near the collar. Approx. two dozen team repairs both large and small are also visible, with these utilitarian restorations a testament to the garment’s thorough use.
Considering Lach’s status as one of the all-time greatest Canadiens along with the insatiable desire within the hobby for vintage Habs wools, it’s safe to say that this historic sweater will garner feverish attention and bidding. As stated in the title, this is the ONLY LACH SWEATER WE'VE EVER HANDLED AND IT'S THE ONLY EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE WE'RE AWARE OF. An LOA from Classic Auctions will accompany, and please take note that this item may be subject to a silent reserve.
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