Paper souvenir program from the Jack Dempsey versus Georges Carpentier fight in Jersey City on July 2nd, 1921. Program is clear and fully legible. Program has one vertical crease down center and one horizontal crease across, as if the program was folded up and placed in a back pocket during the actual fight.
6 and 3/4 in by 8 and 1/2 in
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The fight between Jack Dempsey and Georges Carpentier on July 2, 1921, in Jersey City, New Jersey, was a historic boxing event. Known as the "Battle of the Century," it was the first fight to generate over a million dollars in gate receipts, a record-breaking amount for the time. Dempsey, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, faced Carpentier, a Frenchman who was both a skilled boxer and a war hero from World War I. Carpentier held the European Heavyweight Championship and was considered a stylish and skilled fighter, contrasting Dempsey's raw power and aggression. Dempsey dominated the fight, knocking out Carpentier in the fourth round.
The market for boxing collectibles finds the most favor for items connected with legendary bouts; this program would certainly be of interest to boxing collectibles. The heyday of boxing match programs was primarily during the 1920s to the 1960s, when boxing was one of the most popular sports globally and drew large, diverse crowds. These programs were integral to the fan experience, providing details about fighters, fight cards, and promotional material. By the late 20th century, programs became less essential as television and digital media took over as the primary sources for information about fighters and events. However, vintage programs from the sport's golden era remain prized among collectors.
When other boxing match programs from comparably important matches have been offered at auction, they sell for a range of prices from $500-1,000. If you're considering selling this at auction, you may reach a more targeted audience by selling this at an auction that specializes in sporting collectibles.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Boxing Match program
For the July 2, 1921 fight in Jersey City, NJ, between Jack Dempsey and George Carpentier
dated July 2, 1921
6-3/4 in by 8 -1/2 inches
CONDITION: This program appears to be in good condition with minor folding creases
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 500-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia