The 1966-67 game-worn rookie jersey of NHL legend Bobby Orr, widely considered the greatest defenseman in hockey history, sold Friday for $191,200. The price includes a 19.5% Buyer’s Premium.
The buyer purchased the jersey via Heritage Auctions’ internet bidding platform. The name and location of the winning bidder were not publicly revealed.
“If ever there was such a thing, then this jersey is indeed the Holy Grail of hockey collectibles,” said Chris Ivy of Heritage. “It’s as much about the $191,200 final price as it is about Orr’s place as one of the most beloved NHL players in the history of the sport.”
This jersey is one of only three jerseys worn by Orr during his historic first season in Boston, and one of only two known to survive to this day. The consignor of the jersey, John Rows, is the nephew of Garry Young, then-head Bruins scout, and later a coach for the Golden Seals and Blues. Young rescued the Orr jersey, gifting it to his sons, who later gifted it to Rows.
The number “4” on the jersey is a number that will never be seen on another Bruins jersey, as it was retired by the franchise in a raucous ceremony in January 1979, just months after Orr’s damaged knees made further play impossible.
The jersey is among the highest priced game worn NHL jerseys ever to be sold.
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