Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction November 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/28/2023
This is the vintage and original Stan Mikita number retirement banner raised to the hallowed rafters of Chicago Stadium by the Chicago Blackhawks on October 19th 1980.
The banner was originally acquired by our consignor in circa 1994, at a charity ball organized by the Maryville Women’s Center and it was part of an auction at the event to raise funds for the Center. This organization was backed by the Chicago Blackhawks players and wives, and Jim De Maria, who was the Blackhawks VP of communications for 25 years, was also associated with, and his letter of provenance will be included confirming that the offered banner is the one that was originally raised to the rafters of Chicago Stadium on October 19th 1980, with the letter also confirming that the aforementioned banner was replaced with an updated version in circa 1989 as the Chicago Blackhawks organization wanted all of the banners in the rafters to look the same. A letter of provenance from our consignor, whose wife was involved with the Maryville Women’s Center, will also accompany.
Footage of Bobby Hull’s number retirement ceremony by the Chicago Blackhawks, on December 18th 1983, when Hull’s banner was raised to the rafters of the Chicago Stadium joining the previously raised banner of Stan Mikita whose number was retired on October 19th 1980, is clearly showing the offered number retirement banners of Bobby Hull (lot #48) and Stan Mikita (lot #49) with the placement of the lettering/numbers and team crest all perfectly matching-up on both banners.
One of just nine players to have his number retired by the Chicago Black Hawks, Stan Mikita spent 22 seasons in Illinois, and was the first player in franchise history to be honoured. This huge Mikita retirement banner from Chicago Stadium has been signed by the HOF legend. With considerable proportions of approx 96" x 146", the nylon banner has a full Indian head crest in tackle twill, with "Stan Mikita" and his number sewn above, and "1959-1980" below. A label from WGN flag company in Chicago is affixed, with Mikita adding a large black marker signature that displays well. The banner remains in excellent condition, and makes for a truly unique Black Hawks keepsake.
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