Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction February 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/20/2024
Much rarer than a cut signature or an autographed letters, this official Dominion of Canada military promotion from the late 19th century has been signed in vintage ink by the namesake of hockey's most treasured trophy. Although he never witnessed a championship game, Fredrick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General to Canada and the Earl of Derby, famously purchased for the price of ten (10) guineas a trophy bearing his name for presentation to the amateur hockey champions of Canada. Ever since, the Stanley Cup has become the symbol of professional hockey supremacy and is currently awarded to the champion of the National Hockey League playoffs. As Lord Stanley died in 1908, his autograph is usually absent from even the most complete of Hall of Fame collections. A wonderful and scare document that measures approx. 9 1/2" x 15 1/2" and lists the appointment of Walter Stethemto the rank of "Honorary Captain and Paymaster for the Princess of Wales Own Rifles". Signed by Stanley with his prestigious "Stanley of Preston" signature in now oxidized ink, with the autograph displaying beautifully to this day even after 135 years, his embossed seal is found directly to the left. Also sporting an additional autograph near the bottom, that of Walker Powell, then Adjutant-general of Militia for the Dominion of Canada, a notation reading "2426" is penned to the upper right hand corner of the piece. Remaining in overall excellent condition with fold lines seen throughout, other wear present includes a pair of very small tears at the end of the fold lines along the left edge, a crease in the bottom left hand corner and toning but nothing that wouldn't be expected on a piece of this age. Of note an additional pencil notation/signature has been signed on the reverse. A JSA LOA will accompany the piece.
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