Stuart Ball Auctions in Chard sell Mohammad Ali's boxing glove

The show aired on August 29, and was discussed by leading international art and antiques authenticator, Curtis Dowling on The Jeremy Vine Show. 

Manufactured by Baily’s of Glastonbury, the glove had been returned to Baily’s factory after the fight for inspection and then remained securely stored on Baily’s premises until acquired by the vendor’s family.

Damaged boxing glove worn by Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) in the famous bout with Henry Cooper, at Wembley Stadium on June 18th 1963, to be sold by Stuart Bull Auctions.

They have been appointed to sell the damaged glove worn by Cassius Clay in the iconic 1963 fight with Henry Cooper at Wembley Stadium. The glove is being sold by timed auction which is due to end on September 30. 

Baily’s founded in the 19th century was a tannery producing sheepskin rugs and gloves, branched out into manufacturing sports equipment in the 20th century, and made boxing gloves for likes of Clay, Henry Cooper and Floyd Patterson. The Baily’s factory closed in the 1980’s, however, the derelict premises are set to be turned into a village community for local businesses.

Clay’s glove made from aniline cape hair (Dorper) sheep skin is of a standout cerise-red colour. The original cotton lining and cotton two and two twill weave stay tape lace and full and pronounced D shape thumb guard are still present and the glove also bears a 2.5 cm cut/tear to the knuckle.

The glove is being sold together with documentation including a hand written letter from the late Richard Mayers, Managing Director of Baily’s attesting that the glove is genuine:
“I declare this glove to be genuine. I’ve always been aware of its significance, safety and provenance”.

A copy of Mayer’s Curriculum Vitae, Deeds to the Baily’s Factory and a black and white Mirror Press Photograph taken of Cooper knocking Clay to the canvas in round 4 of the bout (22 x 17cm) are also being sold with the glove.