Terry Sawchuk - 1950's Game Used Blocker with original Lippman Tag and the name "T. Sawchuk" and # 1 written in faded marker inside the cuff of the glove.
Amazing and possibly the only known example of an original Sawchuk game worn blocker to have ever been discovered. This Stall and Dean Puckmaster blocker was the top of the line for NHL goalies in the 1940-50's. As is the case with most of the items presented in this Detroit Olympia Collection, this piece of game worn memorabilia originated from a family whose ancestor worked at the Detroit Olympia Stadium in the 1950-70's. The glove has the team "T. Sawchuk" and # 1 written in faded marker inside the cuff. Most likely hand written by trainer Lefty Wilson but it could also have been done by Terry Sawchuk himself although Lefty was known to mark the #'s on all the players gloves at various periods. The Lippmans Sporting Goods tag is sewn on the outer part of the inner cuff. Lippmans was consistently the supplier of equipment, sticks and jerseys for the team in the 1950's.
this Puckmaster is constructed of heavy leather and laces and was a much strong design than those made for the 1940's. Sawchuk would wear another layer of protection over the back side of the blocker and cuff. In many photos one can see the inner Stall and Dean Puckmaster protruding either out from the top of the extra protection or in the thumb area. This results in a clean looking back side to the blocker and cuff while the palm and thumb show wear in the form of abrasions, puck marks and a spot of blood is also present on the top edge of the cuff where it would have protruded out.
This blocker really is a testament to the days of leather designed goalie gloves of the 1950's and is a highlight of the Olympia collection.