Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2019
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2019
One of the early game’s biggest stars, Dickie Boon was a founding member of the Montreal Wanderers in 1903, with the 1952 HOF inductee also instrumental in the formation of the NHA, creating the important league with Jimmy Gardner when the Wanderers were refused entry into the CHA. Originating from the incomparable autograph collection of E. Robert Hamlyn, we have a rare typed letter signed by the early star. At approx 7 ½” x 10” and dated Sept 22, 1952, the single-page communication has Boon mentioning the addresses of other former players, with the Belleville native also stating that Hamlyn “must have the finest collection of hockey pictures, hockey players’ and names that exists in the Dominion”. The blue ink signature displays nicely, and we should note that this is the first Boon signed letter we have ever offered, and only the second we have ever seen. Boon would pass in 1961 at the age of 83.
With just very light handling wear to the letter itself along with a single fold line, there is a pair of binder holes over the top section, with no text affected. A handwritten notation over the reverse states that this letter was received by Hamlyn in 1952.
The E. Robert Hamlyn Hockey HOFers Signed Photo and Letter Collection
Beginning life as the passion of one youth growing up in Newfounland during the late-1930s, E. R. Hamlyn was bitten by the collecting bug as a teenager, and began to seek out the signatures of both contemporary and past hockey stars, with his efforts culminating in the world class collection of signed photos and letters that encompass his incomparable autograph collection, with many unique items and extremely rare signatures making up the vast collection.
Through effective letter writing, first to teams, and then when information was received, directly to the players themselves, Hamlyn would request the addressed parties sign a photo he himself would provide, with the overwhelming majority honouring the enthusiastic collector’s wishes. And enamored with the uniforms of both the Montreal Maroons and New York Americans – despite never seeing these teams play in person, Hamlyn had the foresight to seek out the signatures of past retired stars from long forgotten and defunct franchises. The insightful collector also recorded information now invaluable to his collection, with most of the signed letters and photos having dates listed when they were received back signed.
Numerous early Hall of Fame legends make up the one-of-a-kind gathering including signed photos from Dick Irvin, Steamer Maxwell, Frank Patrick, Clint Benedict, Alec Connell, Duke Keats, Frank Foyston, Moose Goheen and others, along with signed letters from Dickie Boon, Harry Hyland, Jack Marshall, Jack Ruttan, Joe Malone, George Hainsworth, Aurele Joliat, Cy Denneny and others. Impossible to duplicate, this is unequivocally the greatest autograph collection that we have handled in our 25 years of service to the collecting community.
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).