Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2023
Earning the distinction of being the NHL's spare goaltender, playing for whatever team needed backup, Wilf Cude started his hockey career in his adopted home of Winnipeg, playing four seasons for the St Vital Saints beginning in 1924-25. The Wales native would see action with a few NHL clubs including the ill-fated Philadelphia Quakers before leading the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup finals, playing against his boyhood friend Charlie Gardiner in 1934. Impressed with Cude's prowess with the Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens would trade Lorne Chabot and sign the young star as their starter, with Cude spending parts of the next seven seasons with the Habs. This stunning original wool jersey was worn by Cude with the St Vital Saints for all four seasons he backstopped the club (1924-25 to 1927-28), according to our consignor who acquired the sweater directly from the Cude family. Featuring fully-striped sleeves and shoulders - indicative to the era, along with a partial high-neck collar, an arching white felt crest is sewn to the chest with "St Vital" appliqued in blue felt. There is no number on verso, and no tagging remaining. The sweater remains in outstanding condition, surviving the passing century literally untouched. There are a couple tiny stains to the lower band, otherwise, the sweater is in like new condition. 1920s wool sweaters worn by prominent players are utterly rare, with this specimen ready to serve as the centerpiece to any high caliber wool collection.
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).