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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/30/2023
1961-62 Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Champion Team Signed Stick. The stick has been signed by 18 players/coach/trainer in blue ballpoint pen. This stick is signed by: Tim Horton, George Armstrong, Punch Imlach, Dave Keon, Allan Stanley, Al Arbour, Red Kelly, Bob Pulford, Frank Mahovlich, Dick Duff, Bert Olmstead, Carl Brewer, Eddie Shack, Bob Nevin, Ron Stewart, Ed Litzenberger, team trainer Bob Haggert. There is 1 signatures that we are not able to identify.
This stick was game used but AJ Sports nor our consignor is certain who used it and as such we are not marketing this item as game used by any specific player. There is a number 5 and #9 stamped along the shaft.
We have endeavored to describe, detail and photograph the stick as accurately as possible, but please note due to its age there is likely other markings and details that are not specifically detailed. If you have any questions please email us at: auctions@ajsports.ca
The following is the story of this stick as detailed to us by our consignor. “In the old Toronto, everyone was a Leafs fan. My grandfather had Blues seats at the Gardens from the 40's and my Dad and I got to use them on occasion. Upon graduating from high school in 1961, my Dad and grandfather somehow managed to get this stick from a staff member within the Leafs organization that had been signed by most of the Leafs and presented it to me as a graduation gift. This stick was in our basement at my parents’ home until my wife and I bought our first home in 1972. It then moved into our basement, where it has resided and was forgotten about for about 60 years. With a clean out of the basement during Covid, the stick was rediscovered just over a year ago. I thought maybe it was a joke from my Dad or uncles but on checking some signatures on line and finding them looking authentic, I contacted AJ Sports. They advised it should be authenticated by JSA before any further action. The recent Sports Memorabilia Expo last November gave me a chance to have the signatures reviewed, verified and authenticated by JSA. Now approaching 80 years old and with no Leafs fans left in the family, I have decided to put it up for auction and find it a new home where another Leafs fan can appreciate and cherish this piece of Maple Leafs history. With iconic signatures like Tim Horton, The Chief - Captain George Armstrong, Dave Keon and Punch Imlach this piece is sure to be treasured and appreciate in value for years to come.”
This CCM Pattern Made Professional stick shows lots of wear and game use, original black tape is present on the blade and handle. The blade is cracked in a few spots but does not affect the integrity of the stick– see images. Some of the unique markings/stamps of the stick include: number 5 and 9 stamped along the side of the stick, Love & Bennett Ltd. 343 Yonge St, TORONTO. On the opposite side of the signatures there is a stamp of: Brown’s Sports.
Authentication & Provenance: This stick has been reviewed and authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA) who is a very well-known and well respected 3rd party authenticator. The stick comes with their full Letter of Authenticity. JSA was able to identify 15 signatures as detailed on their Letter but indicate that there are 18 signatures in total on the stick. In addition AJ Sports will provide a letter attesting to the details outlined above and that we authenticate all of the signatures that we are able to identity.
The 1961-62 Toronto Maple Leafs season was Toronto's 45th season in the NHL. The Maple Leafs finished 2nd in the league and ousted the New York Rangers in six games in the Semi-finals before defeating the defending champion Chicago Black Hawks, also in six games, to win their first Stanley Cup championship since 1951. It would be the first of three straight Stanley Cup titles for the team, and four overall during the 1960s.
1961–62 Toronto Maple Leafs. General Manager: Punch Imlach, Coach: Punch Imlach, Captain: George Armstrong, Team leader in Goals: Frank Mahovlich (33), Team leader in Assists: Frank Mahovlich (38), Team leader in Points: Frank Mahovlich (71), Team leader in Penalty minutes: Bob Pulford (98), Maple Leafs 1961–62 record: 37–22–11, Goals for: 232, Goals against: 180
(JSA)