LOS ANGELES: A gold medal won by Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and a robe worn by Muhammad Ali before defending his world title in a 1976 heavyweight fight are among available items in an online auction.
The online sporst memorabilia auction at SCPAuctions.com will begin today and conclude on December 7 and also include items from retired NFL star Warren Moon and baseball’s Jackie Robinson and Goose Gossage.
With Germany’s Adolph Hitler using the Olympics as a backdrop for notions of a aryan master race, US legend Owens famously showed the power of a black athlete by capturing gold in the 100 and 200 meters, the long jump and the 4x100m relay.
The medal available is not identifiable to a specific event but was given to famed dance and movie star Bill “Bojangles” Robinson by Owens after Robinson helped Owens find work in the years after his epic Olympic victories.
The estate of Robinson’s late widow, Elaine Plaines-Robinson, is putting the medal up for auction, with SCP Auctions saying it could entice more than $1m.
“SCP Auctions is privileged to handle an item of such profound historical importance,” said SCP Auctions vice president Dan Imler.
“Jesse Owens is not only remembered for his incomparable feats in the Olympic arena in Berlin, but for his unrelenting character in the face of oppression and his indomitable spirit that continues to inspire millions of people throughout the world.
“It leaves one nearly speechless to behold this medal.
“It survives as one of the world’s most poignant symbols of triumph.”
The Ali satin robe was used by the boxing icon on April 30, 1976 in his unanimous 15-round decision triumph over Jimmy Young in the suburbs of Washington DC.
The robe was part of a collection by Ali assistant trainer Drew “Bundini” Brown and kept in a storage locker until Brown’s death, following which the contents were sold.
Auctioneers said they expect the winning bid will fall between $40,000 and $60,000 for the robe. The grand slam home run ball hit by Boston outfielder Shane Victorino to power the Red Sox past Detroit and into last month’s World Series will be part of the auction. The Red Sox defeated St Louis to capture the World Series crown.
Items from the private collection of Robinson, who became the first black player in Major League Baseball in 1947 playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, include an autographed baseball, a 1955 World Series game-used bat and a game-used bat from Robinson’s 1949 National League Most Valuable Player season.
Items from Hall of Fame pitcher Gossage, who helped the New York Yankees win the 1978 World Series, include his championship ring, his 2008 Hall of Fame induction ring and plaque and a 1978 Yankees World Series championship trophy. Items from Moon’s collection include his 1980 NFL Most Valuable Player trophy, a 2005 Seattle Seahawks conference championship ring, a 2006 Hall of Fame induction ring and collegiate 1978 Rose Bowl championship ring.
REUTERS
