Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Winter 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2020
The progeny of original innovators, first Clint Benedict and then Jacques Plante, Doug Favell may not have been the first goaltender to don a mask during NHL action, but he was the very first to feature an intricate, painted design. This historic mask produced by Ernie Higgins was worn by Favell beginning with a plain white surface, with the mask then painted solid orange for a Halloween showdown with the Los Angeles Kings, on Oct 29, 1970. The mask was then painted with a “sunburst” design of alternating orange and white stripes, and was worn throughout Favell’s remaining time with Philadelphia. Traded to Toronto for the 1973-74 NHL season, the mask was then repainted again, with a solid white background utilized along with a large maple leaf. The mask would then be lent to the Hall of Fame after Favell had a new mask made by Greg Harrison, in 1974. In the early-2010s, it was discovered that the mask was repainted with a “clown” design before being re-acquired and restored, with multiple layers of paint removed to reveal the sunburst design, with areas retouched. With no strapping present and the majority of the interior padding intact, there is tape added beneath the chin section, with a small bar code sticker from the HOF affixed to the interior.
We should note that Hall of Fame member Gerry Cheevers was the very first goaltender to mark his mask in any way, with stitch marks added to his mask for each puck that made contact. Favell is widely credited with utilizing the first fully painted mask with a somewhat intricate design. It should be further noted that the 1971-72 Toronto Sun NHL Action photo of Favell shows the keeper wearing this mask with the orange painted surface (the photo most likely dates from the previous season, in 1970-71). Exhibiting heavy surface wear throughout, there are no cracks or obtrusive damage. A signed 8” x 10” photo of Favell wearing the mask in game action with Philadelphia is included.
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).