Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Winter 2021
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2021
A fascinating instant collection that was years in the making is this assembly, dominated by trade cards from the 19th century depicting either ice hockey or ice polo. The trade cards allowed retailers to advertise their products and businesses. Clothing, boots/shoes, fancy groceries, chocolates, tea, pianos, stoves, sewing machines and still more are pitched here, with our personal favorites dealing with "Imperial Club Skates" and "Skates for Ladies, Gents, Girls and Boys at J.F. Marsters, Brooklyn." There are also two greeting cards (Christmas, New Year's), a blank-backed postcard and a large stamp, with three cards depicting ice skating. Most cards feature ice polo, followed by ice hockey, with more details and images available on our website.
The large stamp, advertising Ice Skating Performances - College Inn - Hotel Sherman Chicago, and the three others solely skating-related are highlighted by one hailing Master Frank H. Bigelow of Worcester, Massachusetts "Home from Abroad" and giving a fancy skating exhibition (afternoon and evening) at South Boston's Alhambra Skating Rink on October 14, 1882 - the kid could skate! Meanwhile, the reverse of a card showing a skating girl with a polo stick reads "Great Flood Sale! $10,000 Worth of Shoes and Slippers Damaged by the Pennsylvania Flood. Greatest Opportunity Ever Offered. Goods at Half-Price. S.B. Thing & Co.," with the company's Albany, New York address concluding. Each piece has a particular charm and overall condition of the collection is rather impressive and appealing; the vast majority of the cards have survived in crease-free condition and without unsightly flaws. A half-dozen show evidence of having once been affixed, with however only minor paper loss on the reverse. An enchanting ensemble awaits the high bidder, along with interesting break-up value if you're a dealer/vendor.
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