Merrill, Walter – K.O. – Several INSCRIPTIONS

Description

Merrill, Walter ‘K.O.’ 1933 scarce limited 1st edition boxing novel of one thousand copies of which this is number 235. SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT INSCRIPIONS. Endorsement from famous announcer Dan Toby reads: “K.O. is the most original story of the great profession of boxing that it has been my privilege to read. Simply told, along with straight forward facts that make it the more interesting particularly because it highlights the lovable character of that supreme champion James J. Jeffries. It is the kind of book that you do not want to put down until it has been read from cover to cover.” The cover has a couple of small stains, but the book is otherwise in good plus condition. Not dust jacket as issued.

The story spans 100 pages and is loosely based on the life of legendary heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries. It’s historically notable within antiquarian boxing collections for its unique background. Merrill himself candidly described the project in contemporary inscriptions as a “hurried effort with a purpose” rather than a traditional literary work.

Historical Context of the Inscriptions:
This copy is saturated with rare signatures from prominent sports figures and artists active during the early 1930s Southern California boxing boom:
• Bud Balding (Inscribed to by the Author): Floyd Clifford “Bud” Balding was a Los Angeles amateur boxer who trained and fought in various local rings around downtown L.A. during the early 1930s. Merrill’s personal inscription encouraging him to “Keep up the good work” strongly confirms that this copy was directly gifted to an active fighter within his circle.
• Chas W. Hamp (Inscribed to by Alan Maybry): Charles W. Hamp was a widely famous 1920s and 1930s American jazz entertainer, vocalist, pianist, and radio star affectionately known as “The California Blue Boy”. Known for his signature sign-on catchphrase “Heigh-Ho! Everybody”, Hamp was an elite Southern California celebrity of his era, bridging the gap between L.A.’s entertainment industry and its sporting social clubs.
• Hoyt Jones & Tandy King: Tandy King was a sportswriter, boxing figure, and well-known West Coast fight insider who regularly frequented the Southern California ring circuit. His high praise of Hoyt Jones—calling him “one of the finest looking real fighters I know” points directly to the close-knit, mutual camaraderie of the local gyms and fight promotions.
• Harry Lewis (Dated 9/14/33): Harry Lewis was a world-class professional boxer who held the World Welterweight Championship from 1908 to 1911. Retiring to a life as a respected referee and boxing figure, his clever signature on the limited-edition page stating “I saw it too” adds a definitive championship pedigree to the provenance of the book.

While a standard signed copy of K.O. brings a modest sum, multiple factors push this particular volume toward a premium valuation:
• The Collective Star Power: Rather than a solitary signature, this copy boasts a rare “multi-signed” appeal. Possessing an artifact that simultaneously features the author, a World Champion boxer (Harry Lewis) an active regional prizefighter (Bud Balding) and a famous Hollywood radio star (Chas W. Hamp) makes it highly desirable to crossover collectors.
• Superior Condition Grade: Achieving a true “Very Good” structural grading with a tight spine and intact hinges is a significant rarity for this 1933 publication. This structural durability easily offsets the minor cosmetic stains on the front cover.