Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction - March 2007
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2007
Intriguing souvenirs are from the 1979 Challenge Cup, a three-game series between NHL stars and the best from the Soviet Union which was played at New York’s Madison Square Garden in February of ’79. It came about due to unparalleled growth and interest in international hockey in the 1970s, combined with decreasing fan support for the annual NHL All-Star Game. Replacing the All-Star Game, the series saw the NHL stars take the opener 4-2 and the Soviets tie things up with a 5-4 come-from-behind win, before skating off with the Challenge Cup following a convincing 6-0 victory, the game being blown open with four third period goals. These bronze sculptures are the mementos which the participants of the series received. The larger one features a 6 1/2” high faceless hockey player on a 2” by 6” bronze base which rests atop a 4” by 9” wooden stand. Engraving on the affixed metal plate reads “Challenge Cup – 1979 – NHL-USSR- NHLPA.” The sculptress’ “H. Rothschild” name appears along the back edge of the bronze base of each piece. The smaller one is just under 4” high and sits atop a 4” by 7” wooden base. NHL Players Association head Alan Eagleson tells us that the larger pieces were given to the NHL stars, with the Russians receiving the smaller ones. More neat international hockey pieces which seldom come around, they’re in excellent-plus condition and will be accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by Alan Eagleson.
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