LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Signature Sports Auction #705  / 

19227

1880's John L. Sullivan Fight Worn Boxing Belt & Sash

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
1880's John L. Sullivan Fight Worn Boxing Belt & Sash
<B>1880's John L. Sullivan Fight Worn Boxing Belt & Sash.</B></I> Offering bare-knuckle boxing enthusiasts an opportunity of which they had never even dared to dream, we proudly present this incredible offering of relics from the storied career of John L. Sullivan, the hard-drinking Boston brawler who rose from a humble Irish neighborhood to prominence as the most revered pugilist of the 19th century. Originally acquired from the estate of late family member General William Sullivan, the mounted display is highlighted at at bottom by a ring belt owned and worn by the Boston Strong Boy. Fashioned of thirty-two inches of black velvet, the belt is adorned with nine brass ornaments and trimmed with metallic woven thread. The top of the display finds a red, white and blue satin sash, which Sullivan wore around his waist as he entered the ring. This piece exhibits only light staining and presents magnificently. At the center is a turquoise and red crossed ribbon affixed with twelve golden stars, showing a fair degree of wear but still solid and complete. The display was originally obtained by General William Sullivan at a Sullivan family reunion. It was later acquired from the General Sullivan estate by Sullivan's lawyer, a World War II veteran and Special Agent in the F.B.I. He was presented these remarkable Sullivan pieces by the General's widow as gifts for his antique shop, which he opened following his retirement from the legal profession. The display also features three fine cabinet photographs of the great John L., featuring two studio portraits and a third image in a fighting stance. Individual matting has obscured the edges, but the images themselves present as NRMT. The final dimensions of the display measure 30x37". Perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect in such a direct manner to the most fearsome fighter of the pre-Queensberry era. Letter of provenancefrom Sullivan's lawyer.
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