1952-53 Boston Bruins # 4 Bob Armstrong Game Worn Jersey
Bob Armstrong played his entire 12 year NHL career with the Boston Bruins. The 6' 1" defence man played 2 games in his first season of 1950-51. In 1951-52 he was brought up from the AHL Hershey Bears to play 5 games in the 1951-52 NHL playoffs. In 1952-53 he played 55 regular season games and 11 playoff games. The Bruins would surprise the defending Stanley Cup Champion, Detroit Red Wings by defeating them in the Semi Final in 6 games. The Bruins would then lose the Stanley Cup Final to the Montreal Canadiens. Based on photo and video evidence, I put this jersey to the 1952-53 Regular Season and possibly the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The jersey shows nice wear in the form of 13 team repairs, board burns and heavy pilling. There is not a single un-repaired hole in the jersey. It remains all original and was likely removed directly from the team and did not get handed down to any affiliate.
This beautiful creamy white wool jersey with gold and black trim is has a size 48 tag in the hem. There are thread remnants directly beside that which would be from the JD McCarthy tag which is no longer present. The jersey has maintained its original size of 48 with the chest measuring out to 24". The length is also original at 29 1/2 inches.
The felt crest and numbers are all original can be referenced in style and position to photo and video from the 1952-53 regular season and playoffs.
The # 4 is a retired number with the Boston Bruins thanks to Bobby Orr. This number will hang in the Boston Garden rafters for all time.
All original wool jerseys from this period are extremely difficult to find and this one is a true gem. The jersey will be accompanied with a Letter of Authenticity from Global Vintage Sports Memorabilia Inc.