1951 Parkhurst Gordie Howe ROOKIE #66 PSA 7 NRMT

Businessman George Kennedy worked for Wrigley Gum in Canada early in his career. He later teamed up with the ex-president of Wrigley to start their own gum company. Ironically, they sold their gum to Bowman. Kennedy eventually decided to start his own gum company, Parkhurst. Parkhurst specialized in designing, printing, and distributing primarily hockey cards beginning in the 1950s. In 1951, Parkhurst sold the cards, “Parkies,” in packs with gum for five cents. Hockey cards had last been manufactured in 1940 when O-Pee-Chee printed them, but not since, so Parkhurst’s arrival in 1951 included the first cards for many players who debuted in the league during the previous decade. Few cards epitomize a “vintage” look like the ‘51 Parkhurst Howe. Reminiscent of an oil painting from the era, this cardboard classic shows Howe in a dramatic hockey pose, ready for action. Having captured his first Stanley Cup by defeating the New York Rangers in a seven-game thriller by winning the final game 4-3 in 2OT in 1950, he had established himself as the premier player in the league. The gentle color palette paves the way for a stunning contrast as Howe’s Detroit Red Wings uniform illuminates the issue. The attractive font and unique listing of stats on the front compliment the image. Collectors appreciate every detail in this card, which stirs as much enthusiasm as any card in the industry when it surfaces at auction. An examination of previous sales reveals continued appreciation by high-end investors for this sensational issue.