9 iconic objects that sports and Hollywood legends made famous

From the baseball diamond to the Hollywood hills, Dr. G.B. Espy’s personal collection brings together rare artifacts from figures who defined American culture. Across trophies and championship rings, photographs, important sports collectibles and autographed mementos, the collection is one of the most comprehensive and unique assortments of sports and entertainment memorabilia ever assembled.

This October, Christie’s will offer more than 400 items as part of American Greats: Vintage Sports and Hollywood from the Dr. G.B. Espy Collection. Read the stories behind nine exceptional treasures from American icons:

Believed to be the last Yankees pinstripes Lou Gehrig ever wore, this jersey embodies the legend’s farewell season. Worn during the 1939 World Series, it features the original NY logo, Gehrig’s name chain-stitched in the collar and the year ’39 embroidered on the inside tail. The 4 on the back — Gehrig’s iconic number — is the original felt numeral.

When Marilyn Monroe married Yankee centre fielder Joe DiMaggio, Hollywood glamour collided with baseball royalty in one of the most talked-about unions of the era. This laminated identification card, issued in 1954 for Monroe’s USO tour in Korea, bears Monroe’s photograph and legal name ‘Norma Jean DiMaggio’. Signed by the star in blue ink, the card is believed to be the only known example of her signing her legal name during her brief but infamous marriage to ‘Joltin’ Joe.’

Presented to Jackie Robinson upon his Hall of Fame induction in 1962, this 10K gold ring is amongst the most significant pieces of sports jewellery ever offered at auction. Featuring a figural baseball with red enamel stitching, it commemorates the man who broke Major League Baseball’s colour barrier in 1947 and forever redefined the game. With provenance from his widow Rachel Robinson, this ring symbolizes courage, excellence and the historic impact of Robinson’s career. 

Worn by Elvis Presley in the 1962 film Girls, Girls, Girls, this beige silk blazer captures a star at his cinematic peak. Most notably seen during the scene where the Presley sings The Chains That Bind, the jacket later inspired the image for the 1993 ‘Young Elvis’ postage stamp. Gifted by Presley to a Paramount set designer, this piece bridges Hollywood glamour, music history and the enduring allure of The King.

This cream-coloured jersey, with its distinctive 77 and trio-striped sleeves, was worn by football titan Red Grange during the Chicago Bears’ championship era. Nicknamed ‘the Galloping Ghost’ for his extraordinary speed, Grange helped to transform the NFL from a fledgling league into a national spectacle. Replete with Grange-specific traits including the removal of the crotch strap and manufacturer’s tagging, this jersey is the only known example with solid attribution to Grange, making it a touchstone of American football history. 

The early 1950s were a pivotal moment in Katharine Hepburn’s career, following the end of her MGM contract and start of a new, self-directed era. This cancelled US passport chronicles the turning point, documenting her travels for Summertime (1955), for which she earned an Academy Award nomination, and her six-month Australian tour with the Old Vic Theatre Company. Complete with her signature and photograph, it is a deeply personal record of one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses.

One of the rarest prizes in tennis history, the Renshaw Cup trophy was presented to Bill Tilden after he became the first American man to win Wimbledon in 1920. Tilden would spend five years as the world’s top-ranked player, and this victory marked the beginning of his dominance; the first of three Wimbledon titles and one of 14 major championships. The trophy is one of the few — and most significant — Renshaw Cups to ever enter the market.

This 1929 portrait, inscribed ‘To the Dia with true and sincere love always your Josephine July 29/29’, captures Josephine Baker at the height of her international stardom. The photograph reflects Baker’s warmth and charisma, while her glitzy headdress and eye-catching necklaces embody the avant-garde costumes that became her signature as one of the 20th century’s most groundbreaking artists. 

Before he was rock & roll pioneer Buddy Holly, he was Buddy Holley from Lubbock, Texas. The present letter was written by Holly at age 13 to his teacher Mrs. Irwin and is signed with the original spelling of his last name — with an e — that was later misspelled on his contract with Decca Records. Just three years after writing this 1949 note, Holly would book his first local television appearance, a major step on his way to stardom.