Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction - March 2007
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2007
From towards the end of a legendary career comes this shocking wool sweater donned by Aubrey “Dit” Clapper, Boston Bruins’ leader and captain for over a dozen seasons. The first NHLer to play 20 seasons in the league, Clapper was a regular with Boston by the time he was 20 and soon starred at right wing on the “Dynamite Line” with Cooney Weiland and Dutch Gainor, helping the Bruins to the Stanley Cup in 1929. Named team captain in 1932, Clapper moved back to defence in 1937 and teamed with Eddie Shore to form a dynamic duo. Boston won the Cup in 1939 and again in 1941, then Clapper was named coach in 1945 while maintaining his player’s duties for parts of two more seasons. His 30 games played in ‘45-46 and six in ‘46-47 explain the lighter use on his number 5 sweater. Additionally, a Bruins jersey expert confirms that the style/color of the numbers is consistent with that time frame. A “Horace Partridge Athletic Goods” tag and a size 46 tag are sewn into the inner rear hem (left hip), while the silk-like numbers and the “B”s are outlined in black brocade. There is one team repair to report; a pea-size one in the gold just below the middle of the back of the neckline. A nickel-size black mark at the right elbow and minor (likely sweat) staining along the right cuff are also to note. Some two dozen small holes look to be the work of moths and not the opposition and fortunately are mostly limited to the back. Given personally from Clapper to our consignor, the sweater, donned by one of the greatest players ever to wear Boston’s black and gold, is being offered for public auction for the first time ever. Museum piece is subject to a silent reserve, will be accompanied by a letter of authenticity and will excite the winning bidder to elevated heights.
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