Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction February 2024
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/20/2024
Granted acceptance in the NHL as one of the six (6) expansion teams brought in by the league for the start of the 1967-68 season of play, the California/Oakland Seals would call the Bay Area home for a total of nine (9) National Hockey League seasons, boasting an alumni list that includes the likes of Bob Baun, Harry Howell, Dennis Maruk, Carol Vadnais, Charlie Hodge and Gilles Meloche among others. Posting a record of 15-42-17 during their inaugural campaign, offered here is this inaugural season 1967-68 California/Oakland Seals jersey worn by both Bert Marshall and Kent Douglas. Made by General Athletic, the durene knit garment still sports the brands partially washed-out label sewn inside the reverse hem while a small tattered size tag displaying only "size" is found affixed to the inner collar. Measuring out to roughly a modern size "50", the front of green, white and blue garment is decorated with a "C" California Seals team crest from the original team set that has been lightly tacked down with adhesive and features beautiful chain-stitched embroidery details throughout with the rest in layered tackle twill style.
Of note, the first set of Seals jerseys from the inaugural season had the original "C" logo taken off and replaced with an "O" logo when the team switch from "California" to "Oakland", with evidence of that crest removal as well as second one from when the "O" logo was removed observed on the interior of the jersey. Additionally on the backside of the crest is a handwritten notation reading "Ty Toki - 5/17/87 - San Francisco" in blue ballpoint pen ink. Also sporting the distinguished alternate captain's "A" over the left breast of the classic tie-neck ensemble, the verso of the shirt has had the number "19" that was worn by both Marshall and Douglas (worn first by Marshall then by Douglas who was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings for Marshall on January 9th, 1968), sewn to it in stacked tri-layer tackle twill numerals, with the top layer of white twill added by the team because the original dual layer blue-over-white numbers proved difficult for fans and media to make out against the green background. Of note, the numbers that were originally on the shoulders were removed at one point with evidence of their former placement able to be made out on both sides. Exhibiting good game-wear, a roughly 3-inch long repair is observed over the left elbow while a small number of light board burns are present over the right sleeve as well. Additionally, some light pilling and frayed threading graces the interior while some reddish-brown stains are seen in the middle of the white portion of the lower front. A seldom seen example from one of the first clubs to join the NHL after the era of the Original Six, don't let this one pass you by! A Classic Auctions LOA will accompany the piece.
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