We told you a few weeks ago about a Gordie Howe sweater that was put up for sale by a Quebec company. He found a buyer.
Delson-based Classic Auctions conducted the sale through an online auction that ended Feb. 20. The sweater sold for US$173,102 (CA$234,000).
It was an American collector who got his hands on the unique piece, a Detroit Red Wings jersey worn by the famous Gordie Howe at the very end of the 1970-1971 season, his last with the Wings.
“The sweater was really of impeccable quality,” said Marc Juteau, founder of Classic Auctions.
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montréal / Agence QMI
Nice piece
What made the sweater even more interesting was that its authenticity was proven by several photos that showed various details of the piece, such as a protruding thread or a repair.
It's not every day that an object that's over 50 years old can be sold with such proof of authenticity.
Marc Juteau therefore expected it to be bought for a nice sum.
“We didn't really set a goal, but I thought reaching a number like that was achievable. The price is very good and the seller is satisfied.
“Given the current market situation, these are the prices we were aiming for. Since the pandemic, the market has been very strong, a new generation of collectors has arrived on the market.”
Rarely
Classic Auctions has already achieved a record sale for the jersey worn by Paul Henderson during the Century Series. In 2010 it sold for $1.3 million.
But you shouldn't think that jerseys sell for more than $100,000 every day.
“We sold a few sweaters that were around the price of the Gordie Howe sweater, but it remains one of our good sales,” emphasizes Marc Juteau.
“We don’t sell sweaters in bulk, we have them every now and then.”
Founded by Juteau in 1994, the company specializes primarily in hockey.
“We sell Stanley Cup rings like Mario Tremblay’s last year, rare cards and anything hockey-related. We also sell some other sporting goods.”