Gordie Howe Game Worn Cooper Weeks Gloves - Circa 1966-68
This pair of GDP Cooper Weeks NHL Professional model gloves has the appropriate "Olympic Sporting Goods" tag sewn to the left glove. This tag was synonymous with equipment worn by Detroit Red Wing players of the late 60’s. The size and style of this tag is consistent with those made by Olympic in this period.
The gloves were acquired from a family whose ancestor worked in the Detroit Olympia in the 1950-70's period. The story as told by the family is that the ancestor would go across the border into Windsor, Ontario, Canada and buy Cuban Cigars. He would then bring them back to the Red Wings trainer, Lefty Wilson, who would then provide him with various items from the team. These gloves were represented as Gordie Howe game worn gloves at that time and were always regarded as such by the family.
The gloves remain in wonderful condition. The children of the family, however, tell the story of the time they left the gloves outside one winter after using them to play hockey. Their father found them in the spring and was not too happy. One family member recalls him yelling " The Howe gloves. The Howe gloves. You left the Howe gloves outside!" I know how stories can evolve over the years but this does add to the charm and provenance of this remarkable pair of gloves. They actually did sustain a bit of water staining and fading as a result of having been left out in the snow. But the gloves remain in amazing condition with just small holes developed in the palms.
This pair of gloves has been photo referenced to several images of Gordie Howe in the 1966-68 period although a conclusive photo match has not been found.