Offered is a beautiful, original 1976 Cincinnati Reds World Championship ring that belonged to Austin "Dutch" Knowlton, a major Cincinnati Reds shareholder at that time. The ring is the same as the ones the players on this Big Red Machine team received. Knowlton was a noted architect and a builder, especially of buildings on college campuses in Ohio. He was also a leading shareholder, along with Paul Brown, of the Cincinnati Bengals football team. In 1976, the Cincinnati Reds were the defending World Champions. They were in the West Division of the National league and had a regular season record of 102-60. In the NLCS, the Reds defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in three straight games and then swept the New York Yankees in the World Series. This '76 Reds team is still the only team since the beginning of divisional play to have swept the playoffs. This '76 Reds team was one of a series of Cincinnati Reds squads known as "The Big Red Machine," which, from 1970-79, dominated the National League, winning six West Division championships, four NL pennants and two World Series. The '76 Reds were managed by Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson. Hall of Famer Joe Morgan played second base, and in '76 he won his second straight NL MVP as he hit .320, with 27 home runs, 111 RBIs, and 60 stolen bases. Hall of Famer Johnny Bench was behind the plate and Bench was the '76 World Series MVP. Hall of Famer Tony Perez was on first base. Right fielder Ken Griffey Sr hit .336, and left fielder George Foster batted .306, with 29 home runs and 121 RBIs. Baseball's all-time hit leader, infielder Pete Rose, batted .323 with 130 runs. Center fielder Cesar Geronimo hit 307 and shortstop Dave Concepcion was a defensive star and batted 281. The face of the ring reads "CINCINNATI REDS." On the left shank is "Reds 4/Yanks 0." On the right shank is written "KNOWLTON BIG RED MACHINE/DIR." The ring is marked "BALFOUR 10K" inside. In the center of the ring face is a real diamond. The ring comes with a Letter of Authenticity from the former wife of Dutch Knowlton. The gorgeous size 10 ring weighs 29 grams, and it is in NRMT condition. This splendid ring adds interest and value to any collection. After all, it is a World 's Champion ring from one of the most famous dynasties in Major League history - The Big Red Machine.