Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2019
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2019
While no doubt one of the most skilled players to ever grace the NHL, Wayne Gretzky was also one of the smartest, with Glen Sather once stating, “There were all kinds of people in the NHL who were doubters. They doubted his ability to be able to survive because of his size. I think most people underestimated his intelligence.” Any who contemplated anything other than sheer dominance underestimated The Great One, with Wayne still the proud holder of 60 NHL records including the most all-time goals, assists and points. With his time with Edmonton especially noteworthy and almost mythical, Gretzky would win a plethora of hardware in Alberta – adding substantive validity to his growing legend, including consecutive Art Ross and Hart Memorial trophies from 1981 to 1987, along with the Conn Smythe as the most dominant postseason player, in both 1985 and 1988.
Few items can represent not just a significant player, team or time frame, but actually transcend the sport itself and reach the status of cultural icon, with the offered jersey worn by the greatest player in history meeting said requirements. This Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers captain’s jersey was worn by the legendary superstar during his Art Ross and Hart Memorial-winning season of 1986-87, with this highly desirable and historic garment photo-matched to both the regular season and Stanley Cup finals! A Nike label and “M” size tag grace the collar (with “WG” on the reverse of the size tag), with the paramount sweater measuring-out to roughly a size 54, with a second Nike logo rubberized over the reverse hem. Featuring the classic Edmonton oil drop team crest administered in tackle twill with embroidered detailing, Wayne’s famous “99” appears over the sleeves and verso in matching material, with “Gretzky” across the affixed mesh nameplate in thick, single white twill. The fight strap has been cut away, with a 2” x 3” section of Velcro added over the inside hem.
Sporting a clean team crest and with all material remaining supple, the sweater retains its richness, with bold royal blue and vibrant orange colouration. There are a few dark marks over the front band and lower left sleeve, with some wear to the numbers over each sleeve. Team repairs are also present – testament to the garment’s thorough use, with three large examples over the lower right sleeve and a small diminutive repair between the bands near the right elbow. There is also a large repair over a burn near the left bottom reverse seam.
Regarding the aforementioned photo-matches, Getty Image #502195572 from March 23, 1987 (game #73 of regular season vs Devils), has been matched to the black mark on the bottom of the team crest, to the perfect placement of the mesh holes on the lower portion of the white stripe on the left side hem, to a small hole about 2" left of the seam and to the uneven alignment of the seam, while Getty Image #473885536 (a Gretzky/Fuhr image from a 1987 Stanley Cup Finals game against the Philadelphia Flyers, in May, 1987 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia) has been matched to the black mark on the bottom of the team crest, and to the particular placement and shape of the oil drop in the team crest, particularly the straight lower right-side edge. Furthermore, a slightly altering Gretzky/Fuhr image also from a 1987 Stanley Cup Finals game against the Philadelphia Flyers, in May, 1987, has been matched to the long black mark on the lower left sleeve, to the orange material showing on the middle of the first "9" of "99" on the left sleeve, to the black mark on the bottom of the team crest and to the loose blue thread below the team crest near the top of the higher white stripe. Two images from Game 6 of the 1987 Stanley Cup finals have also been matched (May 28, 1987), with the first matched to the black mark on the bottom of the team crest and to the particular placement and shape of the oil drop in the team crest, particularly the straight lower right-side edge, while the second has been matched to the black mark on the bottom of the team crest and to the particular placement and shape of the oil drop in the team crest, particularly the straight lower right-side edge, as well as to the small black mark below the first "9" of "99" on the left sleeve. Lastly, an included numeric image showing Wayne posing with the Stanley Cup post-finals has been matched to the orange material showing on the bottom of the first "9" of "99" on the left sleeve in two different spots, to the loose white thread in the top interior of the same "9", and to the loose white thread on the upper left corner of the same "9".
Symbolic of his complete mastery, the vision of a youthful Wayne Gretzky resplendent in his Oilers finery both enthralled a nation of supporters… and completely frustrated his unfortunate adversaries. Please take note that we will be screening bidders for this particular lot due to its potential value. The bidders might eventually need to be pre-approved in order to be able to bid on this lot.
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