Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction December 2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/13/2022
Seemingly getting better and better as age passed him by, Gordie Howe would collect his sixth Art Ross and Hart Trophies during the 1962-63 season, leading his Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup Finals appearance and finishing the 70-game regular season with 86 points. Offered here from that decorated year, is this team-signed stick that was used by Howe during the 1962-63 season. A Northland Pro model with “Howe” stamped to the shaft, a handwritten “9” in blue marker appears just below the lie stamp on the upper shaft below the handle tape. Retaining its original black wrapping on both the handle/knob and the blade, additional stamps for the team’s supplier, Olympic, appear on either side of the shaft, as does the stamp for the Northland Manufacturing Company. Signed by 21, most of whom were either playing their first season with the Red Wings in 1962-63 or their last season with the club, certifying that this stick is from that season. The signatures decorating the shaft include Howe, Sawchuk, M. Pronovost, Gadsby, Abel (Coach), Ullman, Delvecchio, Fonteyne, McNeill, MacDonald, Goegan, Johnny Mitchell (Exec. Asst), Smith, A. Pronovost, MacGregor, Gray, Riggin, Barkley, Young, Wilson (Trainer) and Jeffrey. Of note, Harrison Gray, whose signature appears on the stick was playing for Detroit's farm club the Edmonton Flyers in 1962-63 and didn't appear in any regular season games with Detroit in 1962-63 and was likely with the club in some back-up capacity. All having signed in ballpoint pen; the signatures remain in good condition and largely legible. Additionally, Howe has added a modern signature to the other side of the shaft in black marker, which also displays without issue. Sporting good game-wear, cracks are seen at the toe of the blade with tears to the top edge of the tape also observed. Wear is seen to the bottom edge of the blade near the heel, with black marks seen on the blade, heel and shaft, which also shows red paint transfer and wear similar to that seen on the bottom edge of the blade, above the Northland stamp.
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