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 "1362" 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. Displaying a date of "March 4, 74" in black ballpoint pen over the backhand side of the upper shaft underneath the tape, a red vinyl label displaying "Gordie Howe 1974" in white letters is affixed in the same area on the forehand side. Retaining Howe's original tape job of black and white over the handle/knob and white on the blade, the foil accent sticker at the bottom of the shaft shows wear while the blade tape is ripped in the middle and loose. Having been signed by Howe on the backhand side with a think black marker ink signature that displays well and without issue, "Mr. Hockey" has added an inscription reading "Best Regards" above the autograph 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, other marks and abrasions are observed over the lower shaft, heel, untaped sections of the blade and over both sides of the blade tape while numerous scratches are found throughout also. Sporting a good amount of wear to the underneath of the blade including some wood that is now missing and small cracks in the fibreglass, the stick was 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.
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).