Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2019
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2019
One of four early-style masks offered from the Don Simmons collection that saw use in games and/or practices during the 1960s, the netminder suffered 15 broken noses during his career, had an eye knocked out of its socket and almost needed a tracheotomy once from a shot to the throat. Noteworthy as the first netminder to regularly wear facial protection after its introduction by Jacques Plante in 1959, Simmons is the epitome of the tough men that used to make up the game of hockey. At 8 ½” from top to bottom, the thin mask features a large nasal opening along with small patterned holes over the forehead and outlining the cheeks, with a black strip of paint across the eyes almost simulating a Lone Ranger mask. The maroon canvas strapping with adjustable clasp is intact, with the mask remaining completely original. An LOA from the Simmons family will accompany.
Possibly used with any of the teams Simmons played for during the 1960s including Boston, Toronto or the Rangers in the NHL, Providence, Rochester, Baltimore or Buffalo in the AHL, or even Vancouver (WHL) or Tulsa (CPHL), the mask survives in beautiful displayable condition, with heavy toning to the fiberglass showing its age. A small chip to the mask along the top front is present, with this likely occurring from a careening puck, with the strapping showing wear along with a bit of minor staining and very light soiling.
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