2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/16/2022
A pair of authentic and complete issues of Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times, A chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and Stage”, each 16pp., disbound VG. Each issue is loaded with sporting news particularly Base-Ball and Boxing. February 16, 1861, under “Lives and Battles of Distingushed Pugilists, The Two Belchers,” we have 2/3 page with a round-by-round fight for each Belcher. James Belcher, also known as Jem Belcherwas an English bare-knuckle prize-fighter and Champion of All England 1800–1805. Jims younger brother, Tom Belcher, was also a distinguished pugilist. On another page, a 1/2 column round-by-round report of 31 round, bare knuckle fight from Nevada between Matt Tracy and Bill Blackwood with a prise of $1000. Blackwood was badly beaten, “His eyes were completely closed, he was deaf to the bell, and had to be carried from the ring in an insensible condition.” ... and, March 16, 1861, from the interior, 1/2 column report BASE BALL, detailing a brief history of The Key Stone Bsse Ball Club, the officer elections of the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, and a report on the Winoa Base Ball Club of Philadelphia. Then under “Lives and Battles of Distingushed Pugilists, Harry Pearce The Game Chicken”. Henry "Hen" Pearce was an English bare-knuckle prizefighter who fought under the London Prize Ring rules and was the recognised English Champion from 1804 until his retirement due to ill health in 1807. The report fills the entire page and provides three round-by-round fights, one lastin 59 rounds.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.