This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
There is profound history in this extremely rare gold pocket watch. In 1910, it was presented to the Carlisle Indian School track team, the school that the greatest athlete of all time, Jim Thorpe, would lead in 1911-12. This was two years before his record-setting decathlon and pentathlon performances at the 1912 Olympic Games and one year after his brief stint as a "pro" with a minor league baseball team that would eventually (and unjustly) cost him his Olympic gold medals. As an All-American college star in track and football, Thorpe's abundance of talent was awesome to witness. The track and field athletes of the Carlisle Indian School were given the stunning Elgin pocket watch when they defeated the 35th Regiment in 1910. Engraved on the inside of the detachable backing of the watch: "Medley Relay Race, Carlisle Indians vs. 65 Regt. AA, Won by Carlisle, April 1, 1910." The watch apparently was pawned years later by an indigent Thorpe and then given to his son, William Thorpe. The white facing of the 1-3/4" diameter watch is nearly flawless and while the backing is scratched, the border and interior backing is in excellent condition. This watch is a historical curio that is a "gold medal" in itself, and comes with a certificate of authenticity from William Thorpe.