Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction April 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2024
The genesis of legendary superstar Maurice Richard's time with the mighty Montreal Canadiens, this framed original 1940 letter to The Rocket has been signed by Hall-of-Famer Frank Patrick on Montreal Canadiens letterhead. The September 17, 1940 letter from Patrick instructs Richard to sign a Canadian Amateur Hockey Association professional try-out form. The legendary Patrick's black fountain pen signature (slight bleeding) appears on the typed letter above his name in his capacity as the Canadiens' business manager. The historic letter includes Richard's Bordeaux address (now Nouveau-Bordeaux) along with the Habs' famed red, white and blue CH logo and the team's famous Ste. Catherine Street address, the location of the Montreal Forum. The letter displays its original creases from being folded into the envelope featuring the Canadiens' logo and address that is also postmarked "Montreal, September 17, 1940." This sensational Frank Patrick Montreal Canadiens letter and envelope addressed to Maurice Richard are mounted in an elegant dark wood frame with gold-colored edging along with a CAHA professional try-out application form for the 1940-41 season that remains blank other than "Canadien Hockey" and "National" to identify the team and league. An incredible Hall of Fame signature of historic significance, this Montreal Canadiens letter helped pave the way for Maurice Richard's legendary career that added eight more Stanley Cups to Habs lore. Hired in April of 1940 as a business manager, Patrick would only spend a short time with the Habs, as conflicts with the team's manager Tommy Gorman led to Patrick leaving after a few months in 1941 when he took a up a position with the Canadian Car and Foundry, which was owned by the same group that owned the Canadiens. An LOA from the Richard family is attached to the reverse of the 15" x 21 1/2" frame.
Please note that while all of our frames are thoroughly and safely packaged for shipping, due to the size and/or weight, and dependent upon the shipping company, we should mention that damage may occur in transit. Please note that as such, we are not responsible for damage to frames that occurs during shipping.
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).