LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 May Signature Sports Collectibles #709  / 

19564

1910 John L. Sullivan Handwritten Letters Lot

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Autographs (Original) Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
1910 John L. Sullivan Handwritten Letters Lot
<B>1910 John L. Sullivan Handwritten Letters Lot of 5.</B></I> Thrilling archive derives from the nephew of the last bareknuckle Heavyweight Champ, who mailed these letters back to Boston while on a journey to the British Isles. Those well schooled in the boxing collecting hobby are aware of how tough and desirable Sullivan letters are considered, and an opportunity to acquire a grouping such as this is all but unprecedented in the auction world. The "tale of the tape," so to speak, is as follows: 1) Four pages. Discusses conditions in Ireland, his pay for stage appearances. Signed "John." 2) Two pages. Explains the financial and business ramifications of the term "limited," similar to term "incorporated." Mentions "William Morris Vaudeville Office." Signed "Uncle John." 3) Two pages. Recounts highlights of his touring, seeing Blarney Castle, churches, etc. Signed "Uncle John." 4) Two pages. References return to New York City to work for <I>The New York Times</B></I> to cover the Jeffries vs. Johnston (sic) fight, "if the fight ever takes place." He signs "Uncle John," then adds a postscript, signing "John" again. 5) Two pages. Returning to United States. Wants his nephew to see about getting him a hotel in Boston for a week. Desires "quietness." Signed "Uncle John." All black fountain pen ink remains as bold as the day it was applied, and the letters have no noteworthy flaws outside of original mailing folds. Each letter retains its original mailing envelope, addressed in Sullivan's hand but unsigned. Also included is a marvelous 5x7" period photograph that finds Sullivan and his nephew posing along with Jake Kilrain and others. Each gentleman is identified on back in period ink in an unknown hand. <I>LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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