Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction February 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/20/2024
Making a comeback with the Houston Aeros of the newly minted World Hockey Association to play with his sons Mark and Marty, Gordie Howe would lead the emergence of big time hockey in "The Lone Star" state and win a pair of AVCO Cup championships with Houston in 1974 and 1975. Offered here, we present this signed stick used by Howe during his first WHA season of 1973-74. A Northland made "Custom Pro" model that has the pattern number of "1424" stamped on the underside of the lower shaft, "G. Howe" and his number "9" are penned in faded black marker ink over the upper shaft while additional stamps from team supplier "Ice Haus" and Northland manufacture "Larson Industries" stamped over both sides of the shaft as well, with the latter mostly covered by tape. Retaining Howe's original tape job of black and white over the handle/knob and white on the blade, Howe has signed over the backhand side of the upper shaft with a lightly faded from age black ink signature that displays well despite some running in the section reading "Gordie". Additionally, Howe has added an inscription that reads "Hello Gene, Kindest Wishes" in matching ink. Exhibiting good game-use, marks and abrasions are seen throughout the length of the shaft along with a couple of red paint transfer marks as well while other marks and abrasions are seen over the lower shaft, heel, untaped sections of the blade and over both sides of the blade tape. Of note, some minor cracks are seen in the blade near the heel on the forehand side. Originally gifted by Howe to WHA linesman Gene Kusy, a copy of a letter of provenance signed and dated by his son, Michael, will accompany the piece.
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