March 25, 2021: Spring Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/25/2021
Presented is one of the really cool and unique multi-sport items from an earlier generation, a massive “Manly Arts Course” by World Champions that was sponsored by the National Sports Council. The 23-by-14 ½-inch navy-blue box (1 ¼-inch deep) promises on its elegant box cover to “Train You in the Arts of: Self Improvement, Sports Conditioning, Health Habits and Self Defense.” The circa 1960 classic boasts a remarkable assemblage of folder, charts, pamphlets and books, all aimed at turning the youth of America into an army of athletes and self-defense experts, all with a patriotic and healthy flavor. While the box reveals some wear – presents decently but has some significant tearing and severe wear in the upper-right and upper-left edges and at the bottom of the center, along with some small missing sections – the inside pieces, numbering 41 in total, are simply sensational, mostly Excellent to Ex-Mt and virtually problem free with a few exceptions. With an advisory board and lineup of contributors that numbers in the dozens and includes the likes of Mickey Mantle, Joe Louis, Yogi Berra, Bob Cousy, Ted Kluszewski, Doak Walker and Carmen Basilio, to name a few, the unique kit could boast a pedigree almost without equal for such an undertaking. Serious fans will recognize many of the images and artwork featured with this kit, including several photographs of Mickey Mantle that are among the most iconic in sport. Breakdown of contents (typically Excellent to Ex-Mt, unless otherwise noted): 1) Five-Sport Conditioning Wheel (Very Good); 2) Self-Improvement Folder – 22-by-14 inches; 3) Health Habits Charts with Mickey Mantle – 22-by-14 inches; 4) Conditioning Chart – 22-by-14 inches; 5) Safety Cart with Mantle – 22-by-14 inches; 6) Table of Contents – 22-by-14 inches; Boards that follow are almost all 10 ¾-by-14 inches unless otherwise indicated; 7) Mantle Portrait; 8) Mantle Forward, with Bob Cousy on the back; 9) Safety Chart with Mantle; 10) Power Trigger Chart with Mantle; 11) Orr artwork (5) of Joe Louis, Yogi Berra, Doak Walker, Ted Kluszewski and Cousy; 12) Kluszewski Portrait; 13) Exercise Boards (8) – front and back, 15 lessons; 14) Seven Books (7) – Self Defense (12 pages), Saga of Boxing (12 pgs.), Strategy (12 pgs.), Jab (8 pgs.), Cross (8 pgs.), Hook (8 pgs.) and Upper Cut (8 pgs.); 15) Self Defense Book (8 pgs.); 16) Carmen Basilio Knee Bends (8 pgs.); 17) Judo Books (2) – 12 pgs. and 8 pgs.; 18) Exercise Charts (3); 19) Certificate 8 ½-by 11 pgs.; 20) Joe Lapchick Library Shelf; and 21) Mailing Progress Chart with label 10 ¾-by-17 inches.
Circa 1960 The Manly Arts Course by World Champions Training Kit - (6) Mantle Pieces
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