For our current auction, MEARS is handling the collection of Kurt H. Van Engel. A fixture on the Milwaukee Collector scene for over 50+ years, Kurt amassed one of the largest collections of “stuff” in the entire hobby. Although his interests were vast, his true passion was for boxing memorabilia.
The heavy weight Champions were his favorites. He loved the stories of Sullivan, Dempsey, Louis, Marciano, Ali and all the other belt holders. To Kurt, boxing was the ultimate test of sportsmanship and inner determination to win, as when the bout was over, you either won or loss. The outcome was solely based on your own individual efforts, and that is how Kurt lived his life. You deserved credit for your successes and were solely responsible for your defeats. No exceptions.
For those that met Kurt, well, to say the least, he was the character of all characters. Before Al Bundy starred on “Married With Children” and told his story of his three touchdown performance at Polk High School, Kurt told everyone that would listen, in great detail, of his wrestling championships he won at Washington High School in his hometown of Milwaukee. Washington High School during his era boasted some very impressive Alumni, Bud Selig, Herb Kohl, and comedian Jerry Silverman, who would change this name to Gene Wilder.
This collection served as the culmination of Kurt’s pursuit of all things boxing. The assortment is vast, tickets, autographs, posters, programs, magazines, pinback buttons, and much more.
Jack Johnson is represented with 16 lots including two authenticated autographs (JSA) with one being a rare signed photo. The great John L Sullivan is represented with 9 lots, including two autographs (JSA), exhibit cards, stone lithos, and early cabinet cards. The Brown Bomber, Joe Louis, has 25 lots of various memorabilia including autographs, full tickets, programs, original photos, and more.
Since the collection was offered in a single sale, MEARS Auctions is willing to extend a 60 day payment option for those that may need a little extra time.
Please check out the following categories:
For those with questions, please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414)-828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com
Consignments Wanted:
We are in need of collections, accumulations, storage units, single items, and high end collectibles for our next auction. With the 15,000 square foot MEARS Auction Center, we can successfully process collections of all sizes. MEARS Auctions will work with you to provide a professional auction experience. Some of the benefits provided by MEARS Auctions include:
- Provide Cash Advances for your collection
- 30 day consignor payout
- Free Authentication and Grading for select game worn jerseys and game used bats
- Detailed & Historic write-ups, specializing in game worn / used items
- Consistent Auction Schedule, 12 monthly auctions that keep collectors interested in MEARS Auctions
- World Wide Marketing to bring maximum exposure to your items
- Access to the strongest buyers and collectors in the World!
Our auctions specialize in collections of all categories, sizes, and price ranges. One item or an entire collection, MEARS wants your collection. We are aggressively searching for items in the following categories:
- Pop Culture, TV & Movie, Comic, Horror/Monster,
- Americana, Presidential, Historical, Space, Western, Political, Military
- Sports, Football, Basketball, Boxing, Baseball, Vintage Wrestling, Motorcycle Racing
We are currently seeking single items & collection of:
- Game Worn Jerseys
- Game Used Bats
- Autographs – All major sports, fields, & subjects. Single items or complete collections
- Pennants
- Programs / Scorecards
- Muhammad Ali / Cassius Clay
- Pinback Buttons
- All memorabilia
- Vintage cards-Baseball, Football, Basketball, wax, sets, singles, etc.
- Full Tickets, Stubs
- Game Worn Player Caps- all teams & styles
- Vintage Football, Baseball, and Basketball Equipment
- PSA & SGC Graded Cards
- Ungraded Cards, Sets, Regional Issues, Etc.
- Babe Ruth Items
- Mickey Mantle Items
- Lou Gehrig Items
- Ty Cobb Items
- Pre-1980 baseball jackets, sweaters, and coats
- Green Bay Packers Items
- Chicago Cubs Memorabilia
Visit www.mearsonlineauctions.com for more information and consignment details. TOP PRICES REALIZED, 30 Day FAST Pay, Free Authentication On Select Items. If you have an item or collection and would like to receive maximum value with a fast consignor payment, contact us now.
For a free appraisal and consultation, please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828 9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com.