October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Turn-of-the-century boxing memorabilia is seldom encountered and highly prized, and true, vintage “fight worn” equipment almost never emerges into the hobby marketplace. Presented here is a pair of shoes that was not merely employed in the ring: these were worn by one of the sport’s greatest champions.
James Jeffries (1875-1953), THE FIRST EVER World Heavyweight Champion from 1899 through 1904, laced up these supple leather shoes for a bout during his storied career. At 6’2” and possessed of incredible strength and endurance, Jeffries dispatched such stars as Bob Fitzsimmons, James J. Corbett and Tom Sharkey while defending his title. In his day, Jeffries was widely revered among opponents, sportswriters and the public. He retired undefeated, in 1904, following a TKO of Jack Munroe. The great pugilist is largely remembered in modern times for a brief, ultimately ill-advised break from retirement in 1910 … during which he lost to Jack Johnson.
This tan-colored, size 10-1/2 footwear was designed for comfort and to accommodate Jeffries’ cat-like maneuverability in the ring, and the shoes have retained the shape of their famous wearer’s feet. Both shoes, though fully intact and undamaged, reflect the expected degrees of Ring wear and soiling. These ancient circa 1900 boxing shoes were fight-worn by James J. Jeffries, and donated by Jeffries himself to the Helms Athletic Foundation museum. Jeffries was a longtime friend to HAF founders Bill Schroeder and Paul Helms and a frequent visitor to the museum. He was a recipient of many Helms awards and was a member of the Helms Hall of Fame. The pair of Spalding brand ivory-colored high-top kidskin shoes with lace-up fronts and soft soles come in size 10 1/2 E. The A.G. Spalding manufacturer's tags are stitched inside the tongues. Amazingly, the outside of the right shoe still bears the light, but very noticeable remains of a self-adhesive label, bearing the words "BOXING ________ WORN BY JAMES JEFFRIES WORLD CHAMPION" still legible. As an added bonus, the original laces and thin canvas-like insoles are still intact after over 100 years!! Somehow these classic boxing shoes worn by the world's first heavyweight legend remain in Ex-Mt condition. Accompanied by a Full Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 collection.