1923 V145-1 William Patterson Ltd

This technically anonymous though nevertheless rare set consists of 40 cards measuring 2” by 3-1/4”. Each item has a sepia tint with the player’s distinct likeness and his name, team, card number and “National Hockey League” printed in a larger border area at the bottom edge; card backs are blank. The set is anchored by the biggest stars of the day including Georges Vezina (#19) and by the rookie cards of King Clancy (#3), Cy Denneny (#10), Aurel Joliat (#14) and Howie Morenz (#15). The most coveted example is the short-printed card of Bert Corbeau (#25) – with collectors viewing the set “complete” even with his absence. Although there is no indication as to who produced the V145 set, the accepted theory is that Canadian confectioner William Patterson, Ltd issued it.