Group of four World War II items originating from the personal collection of Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame wide receiver Mac Speedie. Each of these pieces has been consigned directly by a family member and collectively comprise one of the twenty lots from the Mac Speedie Collection offered in this auction, all of which were just recently on public display at the National Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
After graduating from the University of Utah in 1942, where he starred on both the football and track teams, Mac Speedie enlisted in the Army during World War II and was stationed at Ft. Warren, Wyoming, for the duration of his service. Naturally, while at Ft. Warren, he continued to play football and was captain of the camp team. Offered here is a game ball and other material relating to his time at Ft. Warren. 1) Game ball from a Ft. Warren victory over a rival military team. The Spalding "Official Intercollegiate" football is lettered "Ft. Warren 1945 Ft. Warren 47 ___ Rangers 9 Mac Speedie Capt." in gold paint on a side panel. Two of the other three panels bear the black-ink signatures of his teammates. The ball is completely deflated and displays heavy wear, including abrasions, scuffs, and a few small tears. 2) Mac Speedie Army Medical Corps. ID Card. The laminated card (3.75x2.75") features his portrait photo on one side and his personal information on the other, including two fingerprints. VG. 3-4) Two Partially Used "War Ration" Books. Each book (6x4.25") contains many unused ration coupons (many are detached). One is in Poor condition, the other is in Good to Very Good condition.