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The original banner commemorating the Chicago Blackhawks' 1961 NHL championship sold at auction Tuesday for $37,500. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image.

At auction: Blackhawks 1961 Stanley Cup Championship Banner

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson
Chicago Blackhawks 1961 Stanley Cup Championship Banner to be auctioned in Chicago on July 16, 2013. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
Chicago Blackhawks 1961 Stanley Cup Championship Banner to be auctioned in Chicago on July 16, 2013. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

CHICAGO – Blackhawks fans, get a good grip on your hockey sticks — on Tuesday, July 16th, Leslie Hindman will auction the original 1961 Blackhawks championship banner that hung in the old Chicago Stadium. There couldn’t be a more opportune time for the iconic banner to come to auction, since excitement is at an all-time high in Chi-Town after the Blackhawks’ clinched the Stanley Cup, yet again, last week.

In 1961, Chicagoans witnessed their beloved Blackhawks, led by sports legends Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 29 years, beating the Detroit Red Wings 5-1. It was the first championship for the city since 1947, when the Chicago Cardinals won the National Football League title. It was also the last Stanley Cup title the ‘Hawks would win for another 49 years.

The 1961 win was commemorated by a stunning championship banner that hung in the old Chicago Stadium until 1994, when the stadium was torn down to make way for the United Center. A highly publicized auction of the stadium’s contents was held by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, with the banner being among the highlights drawing significant attention and competitive bidding. The winning bid of $15,000 came from restaurant owner, Gus Cappas, who proudly displayed the banner in his Glenview restaurant, McMahons Steakhouse.

The banner will be sold in a single item, online-only sale Tuesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. Central Time, and will be on view at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers during regular business hours up to the date of the sale. Interested parties may contact 312-280-1212 for more information.

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