Reading Is Essential

[Exhibitman]

Too many people do not read. Thankfully. I purchased this PC because I thought it was interesting and I did not have it. The listing said it was postally used in 1909 but no scan of the back. It arrived today and I was very pleased when I took the time to read the back:



Looks to me like a spot-on handwritten and signed note from Billy Papke, a HOF boxer who died in 1936. Per his IBHOF page: "Battling his way from the coal mines to the middleweight championship of the world, Spring Valley, Illinois' Papke turned pro in 1905 and quickly made a name for himself as a terrific puncher with fantastic left hook and plenty of courage. In 1908, he defeated Hugo Kelly and was ready to meet Stanley Ketchel for the world middleweight title. The two met three times in 1908, with Ketchel registering a 10-round win in their first encounter. In the second bout (Sept. 7th) Papke scored a 12th round TKO and the world title. He lost it back to Ketchel on November 26th and later lost their fourth and final match in 1909. Following Ketchel's untimely death in 1910, Papke claimed the world title and beat Jack (Twin) Sullivan and Georges Carpentier before unsuccessfully challenging Frank Klaus for the vacant title in 1913. Papke retired in 1919. On November 26, 1936 he shot and killed his estranged wife and then turned the gun on himself."

[Jay Wolt]

Adam nice pickup, can't believe the seller couldn't connect the dots.
His loss is your gain.

[RelicSports]

What a cool pick up! Congratulations!

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Jay Wolt

Adam nice pickup, can't believe the seller couldn't connect the dots.
His loss is your gain.

Really, a Papke note on the back of a Papke postcard. No connection there...

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Very cool. Wonder why the seller didn't scan the back?

[swarmee]

Gorgeous! One reason I always scan the back to see if the text/mailer/stamp is worth listing when I sell in auctions. And I always scan the back, because I don't know anything about "fancy cancels" or what stamps are valuable. I like college postcards that discuss the results of their most recent football game. Gives a nice background about what sports meant back then.

[frankbmd]

Without being able to see Hugo Kelly's ear, I have my reservations.

[D. Bergin]

Nice get. Great price to, even if it wasn't signed. Seller didn't do themselves any favors. Shoddy description & pictures, and probably put into too broad of a category.

Really pays to dig sometimes.

[johnmh71]

Nice find. Probably sold by someone who has no knowledge or appreciation for boxing items.

[sayhey24]

Great surprise -- what a cool piece!

Greg