This late-Forties blue wool Toronto Maple Leafs sweater has seen better days. The sad story here is that this sweater once witnessed the roar of Maple Leaf Gardens, possibly followed by action in the minors and finally perhaps, the lowly duty of a practice uniform. Countless patches and repairs failed to hold this one together as time and use took their toll. Now tattered and torn, but the tell-tale signs of greatness are still there. Fabulous original thick felt number “7” appears on the back with the wavy center stitch. And there in the tail, the tagging of the Leafs’ team supplier, “Doug Laurie Sports, Maple Leaf Gardens, 458 Church Street, Toronto Ontario”. A visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame to compare this uniform to those on display dates it to from late 1940’s, possibly to very early 1950’s. Max Bentley wore the number from 1947-48 through to the end of 1952-53. Before him it was worn by Bud Poile and after, the great Tim Horton. All three men are enshrined in the Hall and the number was recently retired to honor King Clancy and Tim Horton.