American track and field athlete Jesse Owens (1913-1980) will forever be remembered for his stunning performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. It was here where Owens won international acclaim, taking home four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, the long jump and the 4x100 meter relay race – all to the displeasure of German chancellor Adolf Hitler.
Here are ten valuable Jesse Owens sports memorabilia artifacts that many sports collectibles buffs would truly love to own. Now taking the victory stand once more, the great Jesse Owens...
Jesse Owens Ohio State Track Jersey
Jesse Owens attended Ohio State University where he was known
as the "Buckeye Bullet," winning eight individual NCAA track championships in 1935 and 1936. A 1935 Ohio State track jersey worn by Jesse Owens and made by Spalding sprinted to a top bid of $53,775 at auction.Jesse Owens Signed 1967 Drake Relays Baton
Jesse Owens autographs are always in demand by collectors. A shot put participant in the 1967 Drake Relays at Des Moines, Iowa, had Jesse sign a relay baton, which later sold at auction for $334.60.
Jesse Owens Signed Index Card
Collectors love to acquire autographs on blank index cards. An index card signed by the hero of the 1936 Berlin Olympics – "My Best Always Jesse Owens" – brought $215.10 at auction.
Jesse Owens Autographed Photo
An autographed 8x10 black-and-white photo picturing Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games sold at auction for $418.25.
Jesse Owens 1939 W.A. & A.C. Churchman's Cigarettes Card
In 1939 British cigarette maker Churchman's released its Kings of Speed card series. Card #45 Jesse Owens in graded/certified PSA near mint 7 condition brought $65 at auction.
Jesse Owens Signed John Raitt Artwork
Autograph collector John Raitt drew a number of his own sketches of famous people which he then sent through the mail for his subjects to autograph. Raitt began his hobby in the 1930s and after
70+ years had amassed quite a collection. One of Raitt's drawings measuring 5x8-inches and inscribed/autographed by Jesse Owens sold for $262.90 at auction.Jesse Owens Autographed 1969 Postcard
An autographed color postcard picturing Jesse Owens with a 1969 Lincoln-Mercury automobile brought $95.60 at auction.
Jesse Owens Signed 1936 Government Postcard
Autographed government postcards are big with collectors. A 1936 government postcard signed by Jesse Owens and graded/certified PSA-DNA near mint-mint 8 condition fetched $262.90 at auction.
Jesse Owens Negro League Baseball Broadside
A 1942 Negro League baseball broadside promoting a game between the Philadelphia Daisies and the Baltimore Grays at Old Hilldale Park in Darby, Pennsylvania, promised big things. "Jesse Owens, World's Fastest Human Will Toss The First Ball," reads the ad copy. This item, framed to perfection, sold at auction for $588.
Jesse Owens 1951 Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Poster
Jesse Owens played for the Harlem Globetrotters? In 1951 Owens joined the Globetrotters as a special guest, flying in for a game in the Allied section of Berlin at Olympic Stadium where 75,000 fans watched the contest. Owens had arrived by helicopter prior to the game, receiving a 15-minute ovation. A rare poster from that historic basketball game brought $805 at auction.
Credits
- Auction results courtesy Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, and Robert Edward Auctions, LLC, Watchung, New Jersey
Copyright © 2012 William J. Felchner. All rights reserved.