Two historic pieces of game-used memorabilia are currently up for bid at Grey Flannel Auctions. Either of these pieces would make a fantastic centerpiece of a game-used hockey collection.
The pair of gloves that Wayne Gretzky wore when he broke Gordie Howe’s NHL goal scoring record are up for bid. These black-and-white Easton gloves were worn by The Great One during the 1993-94 season, including when he scored his 802nd goal to become the (then) all-time goals leader. Both gloves are signed by Gretzky in silver marker. Current bid price is $8,633.00. The auction ends on June 1.
The other – and dare I say cooler – piece that’s also up for bid is the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey worn by Darryl Sittler. But this isn’t just any jersey – it is the sweater that Sittler wore when played his historic, 10-point game on February 7, 1976. In that game, Sittler netted six goals and added four assists as the Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 11-4. The jersey is photo matched and shows a lot of wear. It is currently at $67,280. This auction also ends on June 1.
I don’t collect game-worn memorabilia – well at least, not yet – but if I did, I am not sure which of these two pieces I would go all-in on and throw all my money at. Anything used by Wayne Gretzky in an NHL game would be amazing to own – but having something that he wore when he broke Gordie Howe’s goals record would be next-level.
On the other hand (no pun intended), Darryl Sittler’s record of 10 points in one game has stood for almost 50 years. Like Gretzky, Sittler is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Plus, those 1970s/1980s era Maple Leafs jerseys looked great.
If money were no object, but I still had to pick just one to own, I think I would go for the Gretzky gloves. Some of my best hockey memories are from when Gretzky played with the Kings, and having anything that was both worn by and autographed by The Great One would probably mean more to me. Besides, the last thing I would want to do is anger a Maple Leafs collector who wants that Sittler jersey more than me…especially after that Leafs’ playoff game last night.
If you could own either of these memorabilia pieces – the Gretzky Gloves or the Sittler Sweater – which one would you choose and why? Leafe a reply, or hit me up on social media, and let me know.
Note: This article is an updated version of an editorial that originally appeared in Volume 3 – Issue 20 of the Puck Junk Newsletter. For stories like these, plus news and updates about hockey cards and collectibles, subscribe to the newsletter here.
Sal Barry is the editor and webmaster of Puck Junk. He is a freelance hockey writer, college professor and terrible hockey player. Follow him on Twitter @puckjunk
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