Charlie Gardiner was hockey’s first superstar goaltender. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, “Smiling Charlie” led the Chicago Black Hawks to their first Stanley Cup in 1934 and is credited with putting hockey on the map in the Windy City. Shortly after becoming the only goalie ever to captain his team to the Cup, his career and life ended tragically when he died (6/13/1934) at the age of 29 from a brain hemorrhage. Had his career continued, the “Wee Scot” would probably be considered one of, if not, the greatest goalie in the history of the sport.
Gardiner's 1931-32 miniature George Vezina Trophy is offered in this lot and although it presents in poor condition, the vintage award has some appealing features including two additional plaques affixed to the left and right of the main plaque that normally appears solo on the wooden base. The main plaque reads, "Miniature of the Geo Vezina Trophy" and "Donated to the Nat. Hockey League By Canadien Hockey Club Season 1931-32," followed by "Charles Chuck Gardiner Chicago Black Hawks." The two plaques on the left and right display "NHL All Star Team 1930-31" and "NHL All Star Team 1931-32" respectively. The all star plaques list out Gardiner's name and his team mates, Shore, Clancy, Cook, Morenz and Joliet for the 1930-31 team and Shore, Johnson, Cook, Morenz and Jackson on the 1931-32 team.
***Condition notes: The beaver that normally appears at the crown of the Vezina trophies is missing from this offering and the silver portion of the award is not affixed to the wooden base with any hardware and is easily removed. One can easily display the award by simply setting the detached silverware atop the wooden base but without any serious repairs, the two pieces are completely loose and can be separated with ease. This lot will ship with the top portion detached from the wooden base and is sold as is.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Charlie Gardiner's grandson - Fred Gardiner.