The fight-worn Muhammad Ali trunks from his first battle against Joe Frazier sold at auction at SCP Auctions’ November collection for over $173,000. That’s certainly a lofty price for this piece of nostalgia, although it didn’t even garner the highest price amongst other items which were up for grabs. It was somewhat ironic or fortuitous timing for the auction that Smokin’ Joe had just passed from cancer, and so the topic of the memorable and epic Ali vs. Frazier trilogy was fresh in everyone’s minds.
The 144-item Dr. J collection, the largest and most significant player basketball collection ever sold, brought in $3,522,627. Other top items from his personal basketball memorabilia collection include 1983 76ers World Championship ring ($244,240), and All-Star rings from 1978 ($238,853), 1983 ($218.977) and 1984 ($218,977)
Another top lot, Lou Gehrig’s 1938-39 bat used to hit his last home run in a Yankees uniform, which originates from the estate of well-known actor Bing Russell, yielded $403,664.
“This is the most incredible auction we have been a part of,” said David Kohler, president of SCP Auctions. “With such historic items, we were able to realize our best auction ever. SCP Auctions will continue our goal of delivering high-quality auctions with a wide variety of material for all ranges of collectors.”
Other highlights of the auction included the sales of a historic 1887 Mike “King” Kelly Banquet Program ($214,936), Mickey Cochrane’s 1934 American League MVP trophy ($125,332) and a Ted Williams Boston Red Sox game-worn road jersey ($77,820).
