2021 SUMMER PREMIER AUCTION
Wed, Jun 23, 2021 08:00PM EDT - Thu, Oct 7, 2021 08:34AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 198
RARE "PISTOL PETE" MARAVICH AUTOGRAPHED LSU 13" CERAMIC FIGURINE BY ARTIST BENNIE DAY - BECKETT LOA
Sold for
$2,499.60
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
College basketball's all-time scoring leader "Pistol Pete" Maravich was and is a "folk hero" among basketball fans.
His ridiculous scoring exploits, style and persona captivated the LSU faithful and took interest in basketball in the region to unthinkable heights during Pete's three magical seasons from 1967-70. Everything from Pistol's haircut, his trademark "floppy socks", to his choice of basketball sneakers were all points of serious interest. Pete was a "rock star" athlete before that term was used.
One of the special ways the adoration of Pete was displayed at the time was when a local artist, Bennie Day, created these classic Pistol Pete ceramic figurines, we believe in 1968, measuring 13", that somehow perfectly capture the essence of the lanky 6'5" showman in his white LSU #23 uniform, his floppy socks and his period black Chuck Taylor Converse low-cut sneakers, basketball in hand, a black mop-top of hair. Inscribed in the rear of the base of the figurine is BENNIE DAY and BATON ROUGE, LA.
For the artist Bennie Day, one of his other sports creations is included in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s permanent collection in New Orleans, his football sculpture titled LSU vs. Oklahoma, 1950. Mr. Day, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana worked as a draftsman for Esso Laboratories. He was a lifelong LSU fan and his passion for LSU athletics continued throughout his adult years until his passing in 1995.
Despite our expertise and research capabilities for unique sports treasures, and SCP Auctions being in this business for decades, we have not come across a piece like this. It's not quite a bobble head, a doll or statue... but a combination of all three. It is not known the exact quantity of these hand-crafted figurines that were produced, it is believed to be only about (50), and due to their fragile nature it is unlikely many have survived 50+ years. Suffice it to say, VERY FEW.
An owner of this figurine had the presence of mind to get Pete to autograph it years later when he was a player for the NBA's New Orleans Jazz in the mid-1970's. A Beckett LOA accompanies the autograph, a full Pistol Pete Maravich example. Note that due to the surface of the figurine and type of pen used, the signature is faded but still visible.
For the Pistol Pete aficionado that has everything, here is something new! So cool!
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