Description:

JAKE KILRAIN
(1859 - 1937) American bare-fisted boxing champion, best known for challenging champion John L. Sullivan in 1889 in the last world heavyweight championship prizefight decided with bare knuckles. In a hard-fought contest, Kilrain lost at the start of the 76th round when Mike Donovan, his second, threw in the sponge. Kilrain and Sullivan ended up close friends, and Kilrain served as a pallbearer at Sullivan's funeral. Excessively rare, fine content A.L.S. "Jake" as heavyweight champion, 4pp. 8vo., London, Apr. 22, 1889, to fellow boxer "Murf", actually bantamweight Johnny Murphy, scheduled to fight Cal McCarthy four days later. In part: "...I see by the papers here you are going to fight Call [sic] McCarthy of Jersey. I wish you the best of good luck old boy get well and keep cool now is your chance to gain a big name as he is good man with a big name. My trip will be a failure as I must come home now and we can't do anything in the way of showing we would have had a lot of money at the Smith Mitchell show but as you know Smith hurt his foot...We could do good business over here if we had time to arrange some big shows. If I beat J[ohn] S[ullivan] I am going to Australia. How is [promoter] Jim Keenan and all the boys...hoping you will win...". Last page slightly soiled, else very good, stitched at fold into a custom gilt-lettered leather folder. This is one of boxing's rarest signatures, in a letter of superb content!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent priority or equivalent by courier, signature required, unless otherwise instructed. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice.

May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 21.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000