Rossi's signed helmet, Schumacher's belt, Bellof's suits - Eppli invites you to the fourth special auction of sports memorabilia

Roger Federer, Michael Schumacher, Valentino Rossi, Muhammad Ali, Stefan Bellof - on 27 September 2024, the auction house Eppli will be auctioning 180 items from sports stars at its location in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. This is the fourth time that Eppli has organised a special ‘Sports Memorabilia’ auction. The special items include, for example, a replica motorbike helmet from Valentino Rossi with his autograph on the visor - as well as a signed seat belt from Michael Schumacher, with which the multiple Formula 1 world champion drove a race. Highlights also include private items from Stefan Bellof, who was regarded as a great talent in Formula 1 in the 1980s but had an accident in a race. Stuttgart football fans will be interested in objects by Rolf Krauß - once a VfB player and German champion in 1952.

The majority of the items in the special ‘Sports memorabilia’ auction are from Formula 1, and what makes them so special is that many of the items not only bear the autograph of the respective star, but some are also ‘race-used’ - in other words, they were used in a race. Many items also come from motorbike racing and from one of its stars: Valentino Rossi. These include signed racing suits, jackets and helmets. One motorbike helmet even bears 18 signatures, including those of Rossi, Marc Márquez, Fabio Quartararo and Casey Stoner. But other sports are also represented, for example darts, billiards, boxing, basketball, football and tennis. There is a set of T-shirt and shoes autographed by tennis pro Roger Federer, a signed tennis ball by Stefanos Tsitsipas, boxing gloves signed by Muhammad Ali and a football signed by Joe Montana.

Objects from a Stuttgart collector

These sports artefacts are owned by Florian Noller. Born in Stuttgart, he is actually an enthusiastic collector of exhibits relating to space travel and has an excellent global network. The fact that he also has a large collection of sports objects came about by chance: a few years ago, Noller bought the furnishings of a restaurant in Cyprus that was for sale and whose interior included space suits. The restaurant owners wanted to sell not only the suits, but the entire interior, including many racing items. Noller agreed, was delighted with the space suits - and turned to Eppli for advice on the sporting goods. In March 2023, Eppli offered the first items at the special auction of sports memorabilia and broke new ground with the auction of sports items. With success - three further special auctions with items from Noller's collection followed, and the auction on 27 September marks the conclusion. All items have been checked for authenticity by Eppli's experts. ‘The special auction offers something for everyone,’ says René Waldrab, Head of the Auction Hall and Coin Department and auctioneer of the sale, ’the lots include high-calibre unique pieces as well as items for sports enthusiasts.’

This fourth special auction of sports memorabilia will also be supplemented by items from other consignors. Two personalities take centre stage: one of them is particularly well-known to football fans - Rolf Krauß initially played football for SpVgg Canstatt and then moved to VfB Stuttgart. Krauß became German champion with the club in 1952 and later won the DFB Cup with the team. Several items from the estate of the footballer, who died in 2005, will be auctioned, such as a signet ring with Rolf Krauß' initials (yellow gold, 14 carat hallmarked), a pendant in the shape of the VfB coat of arms (yellow gold, 9 carat hallmarked) and a VfB team photo from the 1951/52 season with signatures, including those of President Fritz Walter, coach Georg Wurzer and the players Rolf Blessing, Pit Krieger, Robert Schlienz and Roland Wehrle.

Special pieces from the German Formula 1 star of the 1980s: Stefan Bellof

The name Stefan Bellof will also attract attention on 27 September. Many years before Michael Schumacher became one of the best drivers in Formula 1, the Giessen native was regarded as a rising star in motorsport. He was part of the Porsche works team, among others, and drove for the Tyrrell team in Formula 1 in 1984 and 1985. ‘Stefan Bellof was regarded as a great talent,’ emphasises Waldrab. Bellof died in a racing accident in Spa, Belgium, in 1985. He is still remembered by many people today. Some of the items entrusted to Eppli for the special sports memorabilia auction come from his circle of friends and acquaintances. These include clothing from Bellof's advertising partner ‘Boss’, but also worn racing suits - for example one that Stefan Bellof wore on the go-kart track as a child.

Special auction of sports memorabilia: 27 September, 2 pm. On the Eppli website you will find an overview of all the items to be auctioned with starting prices and information, and you can bid live worldwide: Auktion - 2935 Sportmemorabilia | Eppli