Classic Auctions claims to be the world’s largest auction hose for hockey memorabilia. Their Fall Auction is currently live and has a number of unique, perhaps one-of-a-kind, hockey treasures. Let’s take a look at some of the things every hockey fan would love to have in their collection.
The highlight item of the auction is Bill Watson’s 1985 Hobey Baker Award. The award is given to the top player in men’s college hockey and Watson earned his playing for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. According to the auction house, this is the first publicly available Hobey Baker Award ever offered for sale. It comes from the person collection of Bill Walton and has a $5,000 starting bid.
Several game used jerseys from various eras are up for auction and two stand above the rest. First is a Doug Harvey New York Rangers jersey from the Original Six era (specifically the early 1960s). The wool sweater was heavily used, with over 50 team repairs noted, and comes from the collection of one of Harvey’s friends who had personally gifted him the game used jersey.
The next jersey is a late 1980s Pittsburgh Penguins Mario Lemieux sweater. This specific jersey is said to be photo matched to six specific games, thanks to things such as a smudge from a white board appearing on the jersey and the removal of the “A” for alternate captain. Meigray certifications and a letter from the Penguins' then-equipment manager attest to it being worn during the 1986-87 NHL season.
The NHL’s first foray into the San Francisco Bay Area market was the California Golden Seals that came about a part of the 1967 NHL expansion. Two lots in the auction come from the ill-fated franchise. First is Gerry Ehman’s game worn jersey from the Seals first year in 1967-68. The team originally was named the California Seals and then the Oakland Seals during the team’s first season, with this jersey featuring “O” as in Oakland surrounding he jersey crest, as opposed to “C” on the original design. It also includes blue outlining that was added around the numbers to make it easier for fans and the press to decipher and not an original feature.
The Golden Seals infamously wore white skates, the brain child of master showman owner Charles Finley. A pair of green, yellow and white skates, which belonged to either the Seals or their farm team in Salt Lake City, is also up for auction. Mark Greczmiel made a fantastic documentary about the Seals franchise for those interested in more history about the team.
There are a few more random and unique pieces scattered through he auction. You can have the official league copy of Gordie Howe’s contract with the Hartford Whalers. Since this is a “copy” that’s not an authentic signature from Mr. Hockey, unfortunately, and brings down the value of the item significantly. There’s also a handwritten letter from Lord Stanley himself.
One of the more interesting items up for bid is Maurice Richard’s front door from his house. If you need a door, and don’t mind the fact the initial “M.R.” are prominently displayed, this piece could be for you. It could also be the ultimate conversation piece for a Montreal Canadiens fan with deep pockets. You have to wonder how manty fans knocked on it just to ask for an autograph.