Hallmark "Hockey Greats Series: Wayne Gretzky" Christmas Ornament, 1997

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Artifact Overview

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

1997

Creator Notes

Designed by Duane Unruh for Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in China.

Object ID

2019.65.2572

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on front of ornament: RANGERS on back of ornament: GRETZKY / 99 on front of packaging: Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / OFFICIAL LICENSED PRODUCT / NHL / PRODUIT LICENCEE OFFICIEL / EXCLUSIVE / UPPER DECK / TRADING / CARD / INSIDE / UPPER DECK / Wayne Gretsky / Hockey Greats / NEW COLLECTOR'S SERIES on back of packaging: First in the Hockey Greats Series / Look for series verification 1 on this ornament. / High-speed skating and heads-up play characterize the heroes of the ice who / will be featured in this new series. A different player will appear each year. / First to arrive is the greatest scorer in NHL(R) history. Now with the New York / Rangers(R), Wayne Gretzky previously skated for the Edmonton Oilers(R) and / Los Angeles Kings(R). Known for unprecedented 200-point seasons, "Gretz" holds / or shares more than 60 NHL titles. He explains his winning technique simply: / "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been." / Sculpted by / Duane Unruh / For decorative use only. / Not for small children. / Handcrafted - 1997 on top of packaging: Hallmark