Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2021
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/26/2021
Seeing his first professional action with the Flint Generals in the IHL, goaltender Gilles Meloche backstopped the California Golden Seals for five years before a pair of seasons with the Cleveland Barons, in 1976-77 and 1977-78. This vintage goal mask was worn by Meloche – first with the Seals in 1975-76, and then throughout his time with the Barons, with it last featuring a Team Canada paint scheme before being returned to the current Barons paint job. According to a detailed letter from noted maker Greg Harrison, he relates that the mask was made for Meloche during his time with California and first featured the “Sparky the Seal” design over the forehead, later painted with the first Barons design upon arriving to the team (the original painting of the current design on the mask), with a red, orange and white Team Canada paint scheme then added in 1977 – with traces of this still visible under the current Barons paint job that was executed by Harrison after the mask was last used. Originally part of the Richard Curry collection and obtained from Greg Harrison, the mask was once displayed at the Hall of Fame, with an original inventory number still affixed to the pad-less interior.
As mentioned, the mask has been repainted by Greg Harrison with the original Barons design, and as such, the surface is fairly clean, with some wear and staining to the strapping. Getty Image #101014139 (1970s) shows the circular metal attachment which is still part of the current red strapping, while Getty Image #101014104 (1970s) shows the red leather parts of the straps - with the current remaining red leather sections most likely original, with some black leather replacement straps added at some point.
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