Jack Dempsey, Jack Sharkey, and James J. Braddock
Heavyweight Boxing Champions of the World · Boxing - Heavyweight Division
International Boxing Hall of Fame
Era
Late Career/Retirement era, likely circa 1960s-1970s
Item Type
Multi-signed card or album page
Condition
Excellent (EX). The Dempsey signature is vibrant; the ballpoint signatures show minor age-related fading but remain sharp and legible.
Rarity
Moderate. All three were prolific signers at boxing dinners and events during their later years.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality multi-signed piece featuring three iconic Heavyweight Champions. It is an excellent specimen for a boxing historian or fan of the era.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; 85% confidence. The signatures demonstrate natural flow and traditional forms consistent with these legends in their later years.
Signature Style
Cursive scripts. Dempsey is the boldest in blue felt tip; Sharkey and Braddock are in ballpoint. Typical legible signatures from the vintage era.
Signature Characteristics
Dempsey: Fluid, rapid flow with heavy pressure. Sharkey: Thinner strokes, upright tilt. Braddock: Loopy 'J', often shows minor tremor in very late life examples.
Ink & Medium
Mixed media: Dempsey in blue fiber-tip (felt) marker; Sharkey and Braddock in black/blue ballpoint pen on white paper/cardstock.
Item Description
A cream-colored card featuring a partial image on the left. It contains the signatures of three different World Heavyweight Champions, stacked vertically.
Estimated Value
$250 - $450 USD. Multi-signed items with these three specific champions are desirable but relatively common due to their long retirement lives.
Comparison to Known Examples
Very consistent with verified examples from the 1970s circuit. Dempsey's blue felt-tip examples are ubiquitous from this era.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp 'D' in Dempsey and the specific 'y' loop. For Sharkey, watch for the thin, upright slant. Braddock's 'J' usually has a specific verticality.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. These services are the industry standard for vintage boxing multi-signed items.
Red Flags
No significant red flags. The variance in pen types suggests they were signed at different times or at an event where pens were shared/swapped.
Provenance Notes
Look for association with boxing award dinners or 'Founders' events. Ownership history from a long-term boxing collector adds significant credibility.
Historical Context
Dempsey (The Manassa Mauler), Sharkey (The Boston Gob), and Braddock (The Cinderella Man) represent the lineage of the Heavyweight title from the 1920s through the 1930s.
Market Trends
Stable. Heavyweight champions from the 'Golden Age' maintain a floor value, though Dempsey is the primary value driver in this trio.
Investment Potential
Moderate/Stable. It is a blue-chip 'starter' piece for a boxing collector that will likely appreciate at the rate of inflation.
Similar Autographs
Gene Tunney, Max Schmeling, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano.
Display & Preservation
Frame with UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight as the ballpoint ink (Sharkey/Braddock) is highly susceptible to fading.
Interesting Facts
Jack Dempsey was so popular that he reportedly signed more autographs than almost any athlete of his generation, often signing while eating at his famous Broadway restaurant.