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1537

Gene Tunney

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Gene Tunney

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Auction Date:2011 Jul 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Five items originally acquired from the estate of pro boxer Packey O’Gatty. O’Gatty (1900-1966) boxed professionally from 1915-1928. His record was 54 (46 KO) – 9 (5 KO) with 5 draws. In 1922, he fought a three-round exhibition match against then-Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey. Three years later, Gene Tunney won a 10-round decision over Dempsey to become World Heavyweight Champion.

Trimmed vintage color-tinted matte-finish photo of Tunney, signed in fountain pen, “Gene Tunney 1927.” Photo is closely trimmed around Tunney’s outline.

TLS, signed “Gene,” one page, 7 x 10.5, June 26, 1939. Tunney writes to boxer Packey O’Gatty. In full, “Thank you so much for sending the message of congratulations. Mrs. Tunney and I appreciate your kind thought.” On June 23, 1939, Mrs. Tunney gave birth to their fourth child, and first daughter, Joan.

ALS, signed “Packey,” (O’Gatty’s retained copy marked “Copy” in red pencil), two pages, 7.25 x 10.25, May 7, 1942. Packey writes to Tunney. In part, “I want to thank you Gene for your nice letter–by the way I just got through writing my method on how to defeat Ju-Jitsu which should be taught to the Boys in service–as just teaching Ju-Jitsu alone, as I have noticed–it only gives a boy the inferiority complex when facing a ‘jap’ in a hand to hand combat instead of teaching them how to defeat it. If interested Gene, I would like to show you my methods in how to defeat Ju-Jitsu.”

TLS, signed “G T,” one page, 8 x 10.5. Bureau of Naval Personnel letterhead, May 15, 1942. A replying to O’Gatty’s May 7th letter, Commander Tunney, U.S.N.R., chief of the U. S. Navy's physical fitness program, writes, in part, “Your reference to Ju-Jitsu was interesting. I have seen Ju-Jitsu [Tunney has penned “in Tokyo”] and have concluded that the best defense against it is a good stiff sock on the jaw! In my opinion, it is the most over-rated plan of attack I know.”

TLS signed “Gene,” one page, 7 x 10.5, August 27, 1947. Short letter to O’Gatty. In full, “I have your note of the 16th and the copy of ‘True Sport.’ I like the way you presented the boxing course in the magazine and I am sure the boys will get a great kick out of reading it. It is far better to publish valuable things of this kind in comic books than the drivel they usually contain.” Scattered toning, soiling and creasing, otherwise fine condition.
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