Massive bust of Jim Thorpe, originally destined for display at the US Capitol 1038. Jim Thorpe. Large original bust of Thorpe with a lovely bronze-
like finish, measuring approximately 14 x 16 atop a 10 x 10 x 6 base, with a plaque affixed to the front which begins, “Jim Thorpe, Native American Indian, The Greatest Athlete of the Century.” Bust is signed in the mold by well-known Oklahoma artist Andrew M. Lester, and bears a truly remarkable resemblance to the storied athlete. Jim Thorpe was not only one of the greatest Olympians in history, but also a Major League Baseball player and founding player and member of the National Football League. The bronzed bust is accompanied by an impressive binder full of associated material, including correspondence between Raleigh DeGeer Amyx and artist Andrew Lester, with Lester answering an incredibly detailed fourpage questionnaire from Mr. Amyx recounting his meeting with Thorpe, the techniques used in creating the bust, and information on his artistic career. Also included is correspondence between Mr. Amyx and Thorpe’s granddaughter Gail, as well as information on Lester, photos of the bust, and photos and photocopied newspaper articles on Thorpe’s major athletic accomplishments. Andrew Lester and Jim Thorpe first met at a Sears store in Oklahoma City in 1932. The violent weather outside prevented a large crowd, and Lester and Thorpe spent over two hours alone, the latter remarking at one point, ‘I know you will make a bust of me.’ The original bronze bust was made in 1972 for Lester’s one-man show which debuted in 1976, and was later donated to the Miwok Mountain Tribe near Yosemite Park. The bust offered here was originally intended to be presented to Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill for permanent display in the US Capitol by Thorpe’s son, Carl Thorpe (who lived within one mile of Raleigh DeGeer Amyx and served President Ronald Reagan in the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington). However, Carl’s sudden death prevented the delivery of this original signed bust to the Capitol. A truly remarkable piece of art, paying tribute to one of the greatest athletes of all time. Oversized. Starting Bid $500
1039. Pat Tillman. Football player (1976–
2004) who left the NFL to enlist in the US Army following the September 11th attacks; he was killed in a friendly fire incident while deployed in Afghanistan. Official Wilson NFL Arizona Cardinals football signed in black felt tip on the white side panels by approximately 40 members of the 2001 Arizona Cardinals including Pat Tillman, Jake Plummer, David Barrett, Dave Brown, L. J. Shelton, Chris Dishman, Corey Chavous, Kwamie Lassiter, Barron Tanner, Terry Hardy, Anthony Clement, Tom Burke, Sekou Sanyika, Fred Wakefield, Tom Knight, and Ronald McKinnon. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
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