Affectionately known as "Mr. Hockey" Gordie Howe the iron man of the ice is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of his sport. In his tenure as a professional hockey player he skated right wing through the presidencies of Harry Truman Dwight Eisenhower John Kennedy Lyndon Johnson Richard Nixon Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Playing for a remarkable 32 years Howe was an indomitable force with a relentless competitive fire. At the age of 51 when he should have been sipping beer on his front porch he was still skating a regular shift in the NHL. Not even more than 300 stitches damaged knee cartilage broken ribs a broken wrist several broken toes a dislocated shoulder an assortment of scalp wounds a painful ankle injury and a near-brush with death could derail his date with destiny. And to think growing up the rough-and-tumble Canadian farm boy thought he "would have been happy to play just one season."

By playing as long as Howe did one is bound to put up incredible numbers. His stats (World Hockey Association included) counting the playoffs: In 2421 games 1071 goals 1518 assists 2589 points and 2418 penalty minutes. He held NHL records of 801 goals (regular season only) and 1850 points until Wayne Gretzky came long. And besides the endurance there was the ability and determination that enabled Howe to win six MVPs and six scoring championships with the Detroit Red Wings. He finally retired as a player in 1980 at the age of 52. Sadly earlier this year the man forever known as Mr. Hockey passed away at the age of 88.

We are pleased to present what must be considered one of if not THE finest Gordie Howe game jerseys ever offered at auction. This conclusively photo-matched durene Red Wings number 9 knit was worn by Howe during the year he hung up the skates (for the first time!). This all-original white dureen jersey is one of only two Gordie Howe game-worn jerseys that have been conclusively photo-matched by the MeiGray Authenticated system. It is one of only eight Gordie Howe game-worn jerseys that were registered by MeiGray as of July 1 2015. The accompanying MeiGray analysis letter reads in part;

"Howe who entered the NHL in 1946-47 primarily wore wool jerseys. The Red Wings did not switch to dureen jerseys until 1962-63 which makes this photo-matched dureen white jersey comparatively rarer than a photo-matched wool among the extremely limited population of photo-matched Howes in the hobby.

Photo-Match: This jersey has been photo-matched to an 8x10 posed photo. Visible in the photo is a distinct black mark on the top left side of the crest. Additionally the unique stitching patterns of the crest match exactly to the distinct stitching patterns visible in the photo.

MGV Report: Characteristics of this jersey: General Athletic and Olympic tagging numbering crest rounded shoulders and the design are consistent with other 1968-71 game-worn Detroit Red Wings jerseys we have examined. This jersey is all original and has not been restored in any way. The jersey has been signed on the front in red.

Game Use: The right sleeve exhibits black marks scrapes and white paint transfer. The left sleeve exhibits black marks and scrapes. The front of the jersey exhibits black marks board burns and red paint transfer. The back of the jersey exhibits black marks and red paint transfer. The interior exhibits pilling."

In addition to the MeiGray documentation and photo match images additional LOAs are provided from Classic Auctions and Brad Moore. A full PSA/DNA LOA is provided for the autograph. In the field of game worn hockey jerseys this is a pinnacle artifact worthy of museum exhibition. Moreover we consider it to be among the finest game worn jerseys from any sport in private hands.