Wightman Cup Tennis Memorabilia is always in demand and takes pride of place in many Tennis enthusiasts’ collections.
The Wightman Cup is remembered as a very competitive Tennis event which was played between teams from the USA and Great Britain. The competition specifically for female team players  has been contested since its inauguration 1923 through to 1989 when following a statement from the British Lawn Tennis Association it was suspended, the competition is the ladies answer to the Davis Cup and originated when Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman donated a sterling vase to the  United States Lawn Tennis Association to be played for as the prize between the two countries, Matches were played alternately during even numbered years in the UK and odd numbered years in the US, the matches of particular to collectors of Tennis Memorabilia would be the ones played at Wimbledon 1924 – 1972, Forest Hills Queens  New York  1923 – 1947. The competition was eventually suspended in 1990 primarily due the evident USA domination of the tournament. The previous year the US won its eleventh consecutive tournament in Williamsburg six of eleven series were won 7-0. The total figures are USA 51 wins to GB 10.
The Tournament which comprised of five singles and two doubles matches was held over three days.
A new system was suggested for a restart of the series in 1991 this would have involved introducing European players to the tournament who would join Britain in their quest against USA; however this never came to be.
A match of significant interest to collectors of Wightman Cup tennis Memorabilia is the final of the 1960 tournament when Britain’s Shirley Brasher with partner Christine Truman defeated the American pair Janet Hopps and Dorothy Knode, I am lucky to be in possession of the official hand signed match programme
Wimbledon Champion Virginia Wade (GB) played 21 times between 1965 – 1985 whilst the ever popular player Chris Evert holds the record for the USA playing 13 times, so many of these were classic contests and collectables from these memorable times will always sought after. In 1978 Britain won 4-3 against USA the hot favourites to win; obviously collectables from this event would make a great memento.
A revival of Wightman Cup Series now seems improbable making tennis memorabilia associated with the series even more collectable.
Tony Selby
Cricketcollectables.net

Rocky Marciano Boxing Memorabilia
Rocky Marciano, is the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in history he is deservedly regarded as a boxing legend arguably thought of by many as the “best”, when you read his stats below you will understand why!!
His incredible boxing statistics make awesome reading: Record: 49 Wins, 0 Loss, 43 Knockouts.
Rocky Marciano Boxing Memorabilia is in short supply and as such would be a welcome addition to a collector’s portfolio.
Highly sought after boxing collectables would include fight worn attire, autographed boxing gloves, hand signed fight programmes, mono sepia press photos and other associated match related boxing paraphernalia, I have listed items of particular interest to me at the end of this blog.
A bit about the man himself, Rocky (1923-69) of Italian American origin was born in Massachusetts where he excelled at Baseball, by the age of 15 he was making a name for himself playing centre for Brockton High school. Any Baseball memorabilia from this period would be of great interest to me.
His boxing interest became evident during his spell in the army at Swansea South Wales, whilst he was stationed in Europe for two years during World War 2.
On his return to the USA in 1945 he entered several army tournaments but it was not until St Patrick’s Day 1947 that he fought his first professional bout when he defeated Lee Epperson a fancied amateur who was also making his pro debut, in a third round knockout. It is reported that as the crowd deserved at least seven rounds the promoter paid him $35 instead of the agreed $50 (brave man) he soon became known as the Brockton Blockbuster.
Rocky went on to achieve an incredible record of 49 wins, 0 losses, 43 knockouts.
He retired from boxing at the age of 31, not wishing to follow in Joe Louis steps, a comeback which he regarded as a mistake.
After his retirement Rocky attended many promotional events and was pleased to make personal appearances, he often travelled to these venues by private aircraft.
Rocky Marciano was tragically killed in light aircraft crash in 1969.
Boxing memorabilia that I would like to include in my collection would be specifically from the six occasions when he defended his title; however any autographed RM material would be of interest especially from the fights listed below:
Oct 26 1951 v Joe Louis New York KO round 8
May 16 1955 v Don Cockell in San Francisco KO round 9
Sep 1955 v Archie Moore New York KO round 9
Sep 1952 v Joe Walcott Philadelphia
Written by Tony Selby

Duncan Goodhew Olympic swimming memorabilia would compliment any collector's portfolio.
It was at Millfield public school that Duncan met professional coach Paddy Garrett who soon took an interest in his swimming abilities. Duncan went on to represent GB at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
In 1980 as captain of the GB swim team at the politically controversial Moscow Olympics he won his Gold Medal in the 100 M breast stroke and Bronze in the 4 x 100 M medley.
He became a national hero and a household name; he was awarded the MBE for services to sport in 1981
Duncan is a highly regarded motivational speaker and as president of the Swimathon campaign has raised millions for charities since its inception in 1988.
His marketing company is not surprisingly at the forefront of sports events management.
He has written an informative book drawn from his own life experiences Sink or Swim.
Sought after Swimming memorabilia includes framed presentations, hand signed autographs, programmes, first day covers, medals, bands and swim attire. (caps).
I have been fortunate to recently acquire framed memorabilia collectibles and autographs featuring, Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz, Duncan Goodhew, Adrian Moorhouse, Johnny Weissmuller and Sharron Davies.
I would be delighted to hear from anyone who may have prewar collectibles such as Malcolm Champion, Harold Hardwick, Norman Wainwright, Dr Sammy Lee and many more……

Bodyline Cricket

There is only a limited amount of hand signed cricket memorabilia available depicting the 1932/33 Australian test series, famous for “fast leg theory.” This is the series where captain Jardine is said to have advised bowlers Larwood and Voce to adapt to a bodyline style of delivery. The objective of this was to contain Bradman’s skilful runmaking on the hard fast Australian bowling surfaces.

Under these playing conditions Bradman still achieved an enviable average of 56.5 .

I was fortunate to purchase an excellent example of cricket memorabilia, from the series recently at Knights sporting auctions.

M.C.C. tour of Australia (Bodyline) 1932/33. Large and original mono action photograph from the 1st Test match played at Sydney on the 2nd-7th December 1932. The photograph shows 'Sutcliffe, when 43, played one from O'Reilly on to his wicket without dislodging the bails. Note the amazement of McCabe and Oldfield as the ball trickles away from the middle stumps'. The photograph, by 'Kodak', with title to top border 'Ist Test' and title to lower border. Excellent image. The photograph measures 15.5"x12.5", framed and glazed, overall 22"x21". Good/ very good condition. Very rare in this larger format