Lot # 1764: 1947 University of Illinois Rose Bowl 10K Gold Football Pendant Charm Presented to Ralph "Babe" Serpico

Go for the gold when you target this 1947 University of Illinois Rose Bowl 10K gold football pendant charm, presented to Ralph "Babe" Serpico. A native of Melrose Park, Illinois, Serpico was the defensive captain for the Fighting Illini in 1946, when they racked up an 8-2 record that included a resounding 45-14 win against UCLA in the 1947 Rose Bowl. The strong finish led to a No. 5 national ranking in the 1946 final standings for Serpico and his Illinois teammates. Surrounding the raised laces on the front of this yellow gold trinket are a long-stemmed rose, the title "Rose Bowl" in red enamel, and the legend "New Year's Day, Pasadena, California, 1947." The back is marked 10K on the lower panel of the football, and the presentation engraving on the upper panel reads "Ralph Serpico, Guard." Serpico's honors include 1944 All-American selection, 1944 All-Big Ten First Team selection (known as the Big Nine at the time), 1945 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, 1945 Illinois team captain, 1946 Illinois defensive captain, four-time letterman at Illinois, and most importantly, 1947 Rose Bowl champion. Serpico is also reported to have played professionally with the AAFC Chicago Rockets, before injuries ended his career. As attested by a rightfully proud heir, this gold football charm has remained in the Serpico family since it was first presented to Ralph Serpico in 1947. The hanging hoop remains firmly attached at top, the luster level is pleasing and overall wear is minor. Accompanying is a jeweler's LOA stating the weight is 9.50 grams, and the gold purity is 10K.