Jean Beliveau
NHL Hall of Fame Center / 10-time Stanley Cup Champion · Ice Hockey - NHL
Montreal Canadiens
Era
Modern Retired Era (circa 1990s-2000s)
Item Type
Wooden Hockey Stick (Blade or Shaft section)
Condition
Excellent; the signature is bold with minimal bleeding into the wood grain. The wood shows natural aging but no structural damage.
Rarity
Moderate; Beliveau was a generous signer during his retirement years, but his signature remains high in demand due to his legendary status.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, authentic example of a hockey legend's signature on a period-appropriate medium. Highly desirable for Montreal Canadiens fans and NHL historians.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95% confidence)
Signature Style
Personalized with jersey number #4; fluid cursive script with characteristic slanted 'J' and sharp terminal stroke on the 'u'.
Signature Characteristics
Fast pen speed, consistent upward slant, tall initial 'J' and 'B', and a diminishing size of letters toward the end of the name.
Ink & Medium
Blue permanent marker (felt tip) on finished wood medium.
Item Description
Vintage-style wooden hockey stick. The signature is placed on the side of the wooden shaft or hosel area, adjacent to another partial signature (possibly Mike Bossy).
Estimated Value
USD $150 - $250 (as part of a multi-signed stick)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches retired-era exemplars perfectly. The 'B' in Beliveau and the specific placement of the #4 are textbook Jean Beliveau.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinct loop of the 'J' which often blends into the 'e', and the specific way he writes the number '4' without a closed top. Forgers often struggle with his fast, rhythmic flow.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the pen pressure is natural and the ink saturation is consistent with an authentic Sharpie signing.
Provenance Notes
Commonly signed at Montreal Canadiens alumni events or through private signings. Documentation of the other signatures on the stick can help verify the event timeframe.
Historical Context
Beliveau is one of the most decorated players in NHL history and served as the captain of the Canadiens during their most dominant years.
Market Trends
Stable; Beliveau is considered 'Hockey Royalty' and his value has remained consistent since his passing in 2014.
Investment Potential
Medium; a blue-chip autograph for hockey collectors that will always maintain its value but unlikely to see rapid spikes.
Similar Autographs
Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Guy Lafleur.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent ink fading on wood; use a UV-protected horizontal wall mount or glass case.
Interesting Facts
Beliveau's name appears on the Stanley Cup a record 17 times (10 as a player, 7 as an executive). He was known as 'Le Gros Bill'.