This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/8/2023
When it comes to the discussion of the greatest hockey player in NHL history, "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky, has just one viable competitor, and it's Boston Bruins defenseman, Bobby Orr. Like Gretzky and athletic legends in other major sports (Babe Ruth and Wilt Chamberlain), Orr redefined his sport by introducing the game's first blueliner that could guard the defensive zone but also score with a prowess comparable to any frontliner in the league. While routinely pumping in 30 to 40 goals per season, Orr was also racking up assist titles, leading the league five times over a six-year period with a career-high 102 helpers in 1970; only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux have since topped the 100-assist plateau. Among Orr's many accolades are three consecutive Hart awards (Most Valuable Player) and eight consecutive Norris awards (top defenseman). The featured game-used jersey is befitting of any hockey museum and adequately captures the iconic greatness of "Number 4." This road jersey was worn in 1971, the prime point in his career when he was winning those Hart and Norris trophies. The heavily worn and tattered sweater shows many repair marks, some very significant in size, with the battered Wilson tag situated inside the collar. The jersey is photo matched to the 1971 time period with several clear indicators, the most notable being a large mark across the "4" on Orr's right sleeve in addition to unique marks on the right side of the bottom border, though other smaller indicators are spread throughout the surface of the jersey. In addition to the evidence presented by Resolution Photomatching, added provenance comes from a signed and notarized letter from Bobby Orr Enterprises. There are very few game-worn hockey sweaters that come close to comparing to the majesty of this amazing piece!