The centering of these labels normally varies greatly, thus there is a significant premium value for VF centered examples. Fine or F-VF centering is the norm -- and the result was approved by Slania at the time of production!
#22 (Sonny Liston) and #23 (Cassius Clay -- later Muhammad Ali) were issued soon after the other values and, according to sources close to Slania, only a few hundred of #23 (Clay) were printed. These are the key values of the set; if you need these values, you are better off buying a complete set -- and not to buy a "set" that does not include them.
Forgeries of the Boxer labels do exist, however, they are quite different in appearance from the originals and are actually very seldom seen. For further information, see an article in the Resources section of my website.
The complete original (through #21) set of Boxer labels as HAND PROOFED, HAND PERFORATED, COLOR PROOFS in Boxer folder. This is probably the "most unique" Slania Boxer Label item that anybody is likely to ever see....
One of the Slania "Boxer Folders" with the usual lettering, though printed in brown instead of gray, containing Boxer labels #1-21 (1889-1960) INDIVIDUAL PROOF PRESS PRINTS, HAND PERFORATED. These hand-perforated labels are very similar in appearance to the printing and perforation of the Movie Star and World Leader labels. THESE ARE NOT THE REGULAR MACHINE PRINTED LABELS!
These labels appear to have been prepared as (almost final) color trials. Label #2 and #7 are marked with an "X" above the label and are in UNISSUED COLORS -- obviously Slania did not like those two colors. Otherwise, labels #1-6 are labeled for Plates #1-6. Label #8 is labeled for the color of Plate #2.
The outside of the booklet is covered with inky fingerprints. This item was clearly a working proof used in the proofing press room. While the appearance is generally on the "messy" side, this is the REAL item!
I cannot recall EVER seeing any other examples of HAND PERFORATED Boxer labels. These are the only such hand perforated Boxer items that I know to exist. They are MUCH, MUCH RARER than any other Slania labels -- they may be unique.
This item is very important in the history of Slania works. Remember that this was from a period in his career in which he was struggling to build his reputation and finances were difficult. This folder was in the printers archive material sold by Spink in 2000. Slania did not know that the printers archive material existed. This was the only item of this type in the archival material.
This folder contains 21 labels. If they were removed (I would certainly not want to do it!), they should certainly fetch quite a bit more than other Slania labels -- and those sell for $80-125 each (or more) these days (and I have not been able to obtain any more examples). Individually these hand perforated proof boxer labels would certainly fetch $200 to $250 each (and more for some due to special interest in certain boxers).
While the potential individual value of the labels in this folder is much greater, I believe that this item should stay intact and be in the collection of someone who will truly appreciate it and I am willing to back up that opinion with a low price! [Payment terms may be possible; please inquire.]
ACTUAL item.
3300.00
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201751
Boxers Complete Set of 23 F-VF
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80.00
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201727
1, 1889, John L. Sullivan VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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WANTED
This label #1 needed NH with VF centering. Please make offer. Will pay full retail for first two examples.
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201727
1, 1889, John L. Sullivan F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
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201727
1, 1889, John L. Sullivan Fine
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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7.00
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201728
2, 1892, James J. Corbett VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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15.00
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201728
2, 1892, James J. Corbett F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
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201728
2, 1892, James J. Corbett Fine
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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7.00
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201728
2, 1892, James J. Corbett SD (Slightly Damaged)
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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4.00
201729
3, 1897, Bob Fitzsimmons VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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15.00
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201729
3, 1897, Bob Fitzsimmons F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
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201729
3, 1897, Bob Fitzsimmons Fine
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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7.00
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201730
4, 1899, James J. Jeffries VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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15.00
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201730
4, 1899, James J. Jeffries F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
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201730
4, 1899, James J. Jeffries Fine
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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7.00
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201731
5, 1906, Tommy Burns VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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15.00
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201731
5, 1906, Tommy Burns F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
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201731
5, 1906, Tommy Burns Fine
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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7.00
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201732
6, 1908, Jack Johnson VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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15.00
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201732
6, 1908, Jack Johnson F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
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201733
7, 1915, Jess Willard VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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15.00
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201733
7, 1915, Jess Willard F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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10.00
7.00
201733
7, 1915, Jess Willard Fine
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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7.00
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201734
8, 1919, Jack Dempsey VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.
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20.00
10.00
201734
8, 1919, Jack Dempsey F-VF
REPRESENTATIVE image of stamp design.