Jack Dempsey Fight-Worn Shoes and Trainer’s Pocket Watch Available Through Auction
Jack Dempsey was quick with his knockout blows and rapidly rose to fame in the boxing ring by the age of 24. Given his incredible success as a prizefighter, two amazing items from his storied career that are now up for auction are also likely to be snapped up just as fast.
A pair of Dempsey’s fight-worn shoes and a pocket watch that was a gift from the champ to his timekeeper are being offered at auction at www.SCPAuctions.com through June 10.
The “Manassa Mauler” gave a pair of his fight-worn shoes to a friend, Cy Jones, an avid sports collector, as a gift in 1949. The shoes show extensive usage and wear, including what appears to be bloodstains on the laces. They are accompanied by a handwritten letter of authenticity from Dempsey, dated 1949, and executed on his personal restaurant letterhead.
Also included in the SCP Auctions online auction is a Jack Dempsey Heavyweight Champion pocket watch, which Dempsey gave to his friend and former Colorado Senator Bill Lyons. The watch features a patriotic ring of diamonds, rubies and opals surrounding a photo of Dempsey at the center. Engraved on the watch is: “To a true friend my pal Sen. Bill Lyons…From Wm. Harrison (‘Jack’) Dempsey…Heavyweight Champion of the World…Christmas 1920.”
These two one-of-a-kind items highlight SCP Auctions’ May/June 2010 auction, and there are many more items included, from all sports. Each of the 750-plus items will be featured in SCP Auctions’ full color catalog as well as on the SCP Auctions website at www.SCPAuctions.com. The auction opened to registered bidders on May 26, and bidding will conclude on June 10. Call (800) 350-2273 for more information on how to participate.
