8
The original Thomas Inch Middleweight Dumbbells weighing 144lb. and 153lb., from the original set of
Description
The original Thomas Inch Middleweight Dumbbells weighing 144lb. and 153lb., from the original set of certainly four possibly five bells, the most famous of which was the 172lb. heavyweight "challenge dumbbell", the set originally belonging to Thomas Inch (1881-1963) the celebrated British Strong Man, and believed to date circa 1897-1904 Thomas Inch was born at Scarborough 27th December 1881. His name is perpetuated to this day in the world of strength and body building by the Thomas Inch dumbbell. Inch claimed that in his lifetime he never encountered anybody who was able to lift the 172lb. dumbbell above his head, and only one who was able to even raise it off the floor. In modern times the surviving 172lb. bell has never been taken `clean` above the shoulder, although Strongman Bill Kazmeier lifted it `continental` style which allows for body touching on the upward movement to the shoulder. Most of the historical information on Thomas Inch and his dumbbells is written in the "Strength" publications and newspapers of the day. These have been summarised in later writings, some now published on the net, but for those with a serious interest in Inch it would be advised to go back to the original source materials when drawing all conclusions. The most famous of Thomas Inch`s dumbells is his "challenge dumbbell". This was the largest and weighed 172lb. In subsequent times it has had a few owners including the bodybuilder Reg Park who sold it to the enthusiast Bert Lightfoot who, in turn, sold it to the British bodybuilder and weightlifter David Prowse, later famous as being the actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the Star Wars films. Prowse then sold the Challenge bell to the American collector Kim Wood, the former NFL strength coach at the Cincinnati Bengals. There is a video on `You Tube` of Thomas Inch lifting what he calls his "famous challenge dumbbell" and another smaller example to set an overall weight lifting record. However, it is far from certain what he is actually lifting on the occasion of this publicity film. The dumbbells in the video are of a different style of manufacture to the celebrated Inch bells with threaded handles and removable hollow cast iron globes. The Thomas Inch Middleweight Dumbbells Thomas Inch is believed to have had certainly four probably five different thick handle globe dumbbells. The most famous and heaviest being the previous described 172lbs. bell. What are being offered here in the auction are the two `middleweight` dummbells, weighing 144lbs and 153lbs. There has been much speculation as to the whereabouts of the middleweight bells in recent times. The auctioneer can now reveal that they have been a private collection in west Wales. The collector acquired them from Tom Fenton who had been bequeathed the dummbells by Thomas Inch. Tom Fenton was from the Cathays area of the Welsh capital Cardiff. He was a strength enthusiast who had been a close friend of Inch for many years. When in possession of the dumbbells Fenton set up his own club, albeit it run from his home. The bells were often loaned out for public performances by local athletes and at least three individuals have been recorded as successfully lifting the middleweight bells at the time, namely Gerald "Strang" Davies, Hubert Thomas and Mike Brown. A careful analysis has been carried out on the weight, dimensions and structure of the dumbbells on behalf of the auctioneer: The144lbs. dumbbell has a 60.5mm diameter handle, 100mm between globes, a 10mm hole at the centre of the handle. The handle is hollow with a wall thickness of 3mm. It has a silver coating that appears directly applied to the iron casting. The 153lbs. dumbbell, also with direct silver coating, has a 59.5mm diameter handle, 100mm between globes, 10mm hole in the centre of the handle filled with a malleable substance, a small second hole 10mm from one globe in line with the central hole, filled with a non ferrous m
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The original Thomas Inch Middleweight Dumbbells weighing 144lb. and 153lb., from the original set of certainly four possibly five bells, the most famous of which was the 172lb. heavyweight "challenge dumbbell", the set originally belonging to Thomas Inch (1881-1963) the celebrated British Strong Man, and believed to date circa 1897-1904 Thomas Inch was born at Scarborough 27th December 1881. His name is perpetuated to this day in the world of strength and body building by the Thomas Inch dumbbell. Inch claimed that in his lifetime he never encountered anybody who was able to lift the 172lb. dumbbell above his head, and only one who was able to even raise it off the floor. In modern times the surviving 172lb. bell has never been taken `clean` above the shoulder, although Strongman Bill Kazmeier lifted it `continental` style which allows for body touching on the upward movement to the shoulder. Most of the historical information on Thomas Inch and his dumbbells is written in the "Strength" publications and newspapers of the day. These have been summarised in later writings, some now published on the net, but for those with a serious interest in Inch it would be advised to go back to the original source materials when drawing all conclusions. The most famous of Thomas Inch`s dumbells is his "challenge dumbbell". This was the largest and weighed 172lb. In subsequent times it has had a few owners including the bodybuilder Reg Park who sold it to the enthusiast Bert Lightfoot who, in turn, sold it to the British bodybuilder and weightlifter David Prowse, later famous as being the actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the Star Wars films. Prowse then sold the Challenge bell to the American collector Kim Wood, the former NFL strength coach at the Cincinnati Bengals. There is a video on `You Tube` of Thomas Inch lifting what he calls his "famous challenge dumbbell" and another smaller example to set an overall weight lifting record. However, it is far from certain what he is actually lifting on the occasion of this publicity film. The dumbbells in the video are of a different style of manufacture to the celebrated Inch bells with threaded handles and removable hollow cast iron globes. The Thomas Inch Middleweight Dumbbells Thomas Inch is believed to have had certainly four probably five different thick handle globe dumbbells. The most famous and heaviest being the previous described 172lbs. bell. What are being offered here in the auction are the two `middleweight` dummbells, weighing 144lbs and 153lbs. There has been much speculation as to the whereabouts of the middleweight bells in recent times. The auctioneer can now reveal that they have been a private collection in west Wales. The collector acquired them from Tom Fenton who had been bequeathed the dummbells by Thomas Inch. Tom Fenton was from the Cathays area of the Welsh capital Cardiff. He was a strength enthusiast who had been a close friend of Inch for many years. When in possession of the dumbbells Fenton set up his own club, albeit it run from his home. The bells were often loaned out for public performances by local athletes and at least three individuals have been recorded as successfully lifting the middleweight bells at the time, namely Gerald "Strang" Davies, Hubert Thomas and Mike Brown. A careful analysis has been carried out on the weight, dimensions and structure of the dumbbells on behalf of the auctioneer: The144lbs. dumbbell has a 60.5mm diameter handle, 100mm between globes, a 10mm hole at the centre of the handle. The handle is hollow with a wall thickness of 3mm. It has a silver coating that appears directly applied to the iron casting. The 153lbs. dumbbell, also with direct silver coating, has a 59.5mm diameter handle, 100mm between globes, 10mm hole in the centre of the handle filled with a malleable substance, a small second hole 10mm from one globe in line with the central hole, filled with a non ferrous m
Two Day Sale of Sporting Memorabilia
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Sotheby's
34-35 New Bond Street
London
W1A 2AA
United Kingdom
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
Collections and Shipping Logistics:
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from our storage facility in Wellingborough.
Please contact the auctioneer for the full details and to make a timed appointment.
Alternatively, we can organise packing for postage and shipment on a worldwide basis.
Please contact us for a quote.
On occasions due to high value, complicated customs arrangements or for the need of highly specialised packing, we will recommend a third-party professional packer and shipper.
All glass will be removed from framed and glazed items prior to posting and may result in delays to shipping your items. (This service is included in the cost of postage and packing).
We can also totally remove all framing and mounts upon request to reduce shipping costs.
Alternatively, lots can be collected in person by prior appointment from NN8 1RT.
Overseas Bidders:
Are responsible for all import duties, customs charges, and VAT payable in the destination country.
Customs declarations will be based on the final hammer price of winning bids without exception.
We are currently seeing unprecedented delays in customs clearance times around the world, it is not uncommon for this to take several weeks and unfortunately, we cannot do anything to expedite the process or be held responsible for any delays.
Important Information
Day 1 lots 1-334
Day 2 lots 335-993
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Buyers Premium:
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Artists Resale Rights:
Purchase of lots marked with the † will be subject to payment of the Artist's Resale Rights, at a percentage of the hammer price
Shipping:
On receipt of cleared funds lots can be collected from the Sotheby's saleroom on sale day. Thereafter lots will be transferred to storage in Enfield, north London, where they can be collected in person. Alternatively, we ship worldwide. Please contact the auctioneer for further details.
Terms & Conditions
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS & BUYERS
Conditions of Business
All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd’s (GBA) Conditions of Business.
Starting Bid
For each lot there is a published minimum starting bid.
Buyer’s Premium & VAT
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Pre-Sale Viewing
For invited guests to the event, all lots will be available for viewing prior to the auction. Absentee bidders should contact the auctioneer if further information is required.
Bidding in Person
To bid in person, invited guests must register to obtain a bidding number. Before the auction, registration forms will be provided and upon completion you will be given a numbered bidding paddle. All lots sold will be invoiced to the name and address in which the paddle has been registered. Please hand back the paddle to a member of staff after use.
Absentee bidders
The auctioneer will be accepting bids from absentee bidders. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time by post, fax or e-mail. Additionally, there will be a telephone bidding facility, but subject always to the availability of lines & staffing. These services are offered free of charge and are subject to our Conditions of Business, which can be read in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk. Please contact the auctioneer if you require further information.
Online Bidding
The auctioneer will also offer an online bidding service, free of charge, via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with GBA you: authorise GBA, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to GBA through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that GBA are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling immediately after the sale and before purchases can be released. Payments in person can be made in the saleroom immediately after the auction, after this payments must be made by post, card transactions by telephone or electronic transfer to our bank.
Methods of Payment
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd welcome the following Methods of Payment:
Credit/Debit Card
We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express card payments), for which a surcharge will be made of 3% of the transaction total. This is to cover the charge made to us by our bank. There is no charge for payments made by debit card.
Sterling Bankers Draft or Building Society Sterling Cheque
Drawn on a recognised UK bank or building society. Please note that the auctioneer requires seven days to clear sterling cheques and we always reserve the right to hold goods until a cheque is cleared. This policy can only be overridden if the auctioneer receives authority otherwise from the Charity for which it is acting as agent in this auction.
Cash
Cash payments will be accepted up to a maximum of £6,000.
Electronic Transfer
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank plc
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd
IBAN: GB64BARC20717460420255
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Collection or delivery or lots
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the venue on the evening of the auction. Thereafter GBA can supply competitive quotations for the delivery of uncollected lots, including packing and shipping on a worldwide basis. Arrangements should be made within 14 days of the auction. Thereafter the auctioneer reserves the right to apply storage charges on uncollected purchases.
Conduct of the Auction
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at the “starting bid” as published in the auction catalogue and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until GBA has received the purchase price in cleared funds.
Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the seller may have, if the buyer fails to make payment for the lot, GBA may in its sole discretion exercise one or more of the following remedies:-
(a) cancel the sale of the lot;
(b) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the payment date to the date that the purchase price is received in cleared funds;
(c) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with the new sale price at GBA’s discretion, in which case the buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original purchase price and the amount achieved on re-sale;
(d) commence legal proceedings to recover the purchase price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(e) disclose the Buyer’s details to the seller to enable the seller to commence legal proceedings.
Data Protection
GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.
Miscellaneous
a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.
b) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.
See Full Terms And Conditions
Conditions of Business
All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd’s (GBA) Conditions of Business.
Starting Bid
For each lot there is a published minimum starting bid.
Buyer’s Premium & VAT
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Pre-Sale Viewing
For invited guests to the event, all lots will be available for viewing prior to the auction. Absentee bidders should contact the auctioneer if further information is required.
Bidding in Person
To bid in person, invited guests must register to obtain a bidding number. Before the auction, registration forms will be provided and upon completion you will be given a numbered bidding paddle. All lots sold will be invoiced to the name and address in which the paddle has been registered. Please hand back the paddle to a member of staff after use.
Absentee bidders
The auctioneer will be accepting bids from absentee bidders. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time by post, fax or e-mail. Additionally, there will be a telephone bidding facility, but subject always to the availability of lines & staffing. These services are offered free of charge and are subject to our Conditions of Business, which can be read in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk. Please contact the auctioneer if you require further information.
Online Bidding
The auctioneer will also offer an online bidding service, free of charge, via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with GBA you: authorise GBA, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to GBA through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that GBA are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling immediately after the sale and before purchases can be released. Payments in person can be made in the saleroom immediately after the auction, after this payments must be made by post, card transactions by telephone or electronic transfer to our bank.
Methods of Payment
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd welcome the following Methods of Payment:
Credit/Debit Card
We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express card payments), for which a surcharge will be made of 3% of the transaction total. This is to cover the charge made to us by our bank. There is no charge for payments made by debit card.
Sterling Bankers Draft or Building Society Sterling Cheque
Drawn on a recognised UK bank or building society. Please note that the auctioneer requires seven days to clear sterling cheques and we always reserve the right to hold goods until a cheque is cleared. This policy can only be overridden if the auctioneer receives authority otherwise from the Charity for which it is acting as agent in this auction.
Cash
Cash payments will be accepted up to a maximum of £6,000.
Electronic Transfer
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank plc
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd
IBAN: GB64BARC20717460420255
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Collection or delivery or lots
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the venue on the evening of the auction. Thereafter GBA can supply competitive quotations for the delivery of uncollected lots, including packing and shipping on a worldwide basis. Arrangements should be made within 14 days of the auction. Thereafter the auctioneer reserves the right to apply storage charges on uncollected purchases.
Conduct of the Auction
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at the “starting bid” as published in the auction catalogue and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until GBA has received the purchase price in cleared funds.
Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the seller may have, if the buyer fails to make payment for the lot, GBA may in its sole discretion exercise one or more of the following remedies:-
(a) cancel the sale of the lot;
(b) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the payment date to the date that the purchase price is received in cleared funds;
(c) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with the new sale price at GBA’s discretion, in which case the buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original purchase price and the amount achieved on re-sale;
(d) commence legal proceedings to recover the purchase price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(e) disclose the Buyer’s details to the seller to enable the seller to commence legal proceedings.
Data Protection
GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.
Miscellaneous
a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.
b) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.
