1951 Joe Louis NY Boxing License from Final Year of Career. Prov: Christies 1996

Item Description: 1951 Joe Louis New York State Athletic Commission Boxing License

Presented is an original 1951 New York State Athletic Commission Boxing License issued to legendary boxer Joe Louis Barrow, better known as Joe Louis. Ex. Christies Sept. 1996, where it sold for $4,370.

Description of the License:

This 1951 New York State Athletic Commission license represents the final year of Louis's professional boxing career. Key details include:

• Identification Details: Issued to "Joe Louis Barrow (Joe Louis - ring name)" with an expiration date of September 30, 1951.
• Photograph: A 1x1.25" black-and-white portrait of Louis is affixed to the left side.
• Raised Seal: The New York State seal is embossed on the front, affirming its official status.
• Condition: While showing slight darkening due to age, the license remains in excellent condition for a document over seven decades old.
• Blank Reverse Side: The spaces for physical details such as height, weight, and thumbprint are unfilled.

Auction Provenance:

This license was previously sold at Christie’s auction on September 21, 1996, realizing $4,370, far surpassing its presale estimate of $1,500–$2,000. This historical sale underscores the rarity and significance of this piece, affirming its value as a treasured artifact of Joe Louis’s storied career.

Historical Context:

Joe Louis (1914–1981), born "Joe Louis Barrow" in Alabama, was one of the most celebrated athletes of the 20th century. Holding the World Heavyweight Championship from 1937 to 1949, Louis defended his title 25 times—a record unmatched in any weight class. His 1938 rematch with Max Schmeling, a symbol of Nazi Germany, was one of the most significant sports events of the 20th century, solidifying Louis as a national hero and transcending racial barriers.

After retiring in 1949, Louis faced significant financial difficulties, including over $500,000 in IRS debt. He returned to boxing in 1950 in an attempt to pay off his obligations but was unable to reclaim his championship title. His final fight was a loss to Rocky Marciano on October 26, 1951.

Significance:

This boxing license is a tangible connection to Joe Louis’s final chapter in the sport that brought him international acclaim. It reflects not only his athletic dominance but also the challenges he faced outside the ring. The license is an extraordinary addition for collectors of sports memorabilia or those who appreciate the enduring legacy of "The Brown Bomber."