The Richard C. Stevens Collection May 22, 2010 - RSL Auction ...

Lot 225 Calamity Bank, Rare Chocolate Base Color
Made by the J. & E. Stevens Company
Cromwell, Connecticut – Circa 1905
The “Calamity Bank” portrays collegiate football as it was played at the beginning
of the 20th Century. In this particular example, we fi nd two defense tacklers from
Yale (blue details) taking down a running fullback from Harvard (crimson details).
Wearing only nominal protective gear, many players sustained serious injuries.
President Teddy Roosevelt viewed this situation as very dangerous. He planned to
incorporate the abolition of collegiate football as part of his platform for re-election
in 1904. It’s a good thing that his political advisors talked him out of it.
Material: Cast Iron
Provenance: Stephen Steckbeck Collection
Condition: Near Mint Plus
Probably the second best known example sold with original box.
Estimate: $60,000 - $90,000
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