Archie Moore's Light Heavyweight Championship boxing gloves. Legendary fighter Archie Moore and Art Tatum were close friends. Many consider Moore one of the greatest fighters who ever lived. His fighting history is extensive and impressive.

At the height of his long career, Moore writes to Tatum, inviting the jazz pianist to come to his training camp where he was in training for his upcoming fight with Floyd Paterson. Moore's handwritten letter is on World's Heavyweight Championship letterhead. There is a hand-addressed envelope to match.

Moore gave this pair of Championship gloves to Tatum. Inside each of the two gloves, Archie wrote, "My pal Art Tatum / Archie Moore / with these gloves / Archie Moore / won over / Joey Maxim / Miami Florida / 1/27/54."

Art Tatum is considered one of the world's greatest jazz pianists. Tatum had received some formal musical training but, utilizing his perfect pitch, was mainly self-taught. He was known for his experimental and creative playing, as well as his legendary speed and improvisational skills. Despite being nearly blind, Tatum's dexterity made him an excellent player, as can be heard on the 1933 recording 'Tea for Two,' one of his best known songs.

Ahead of his time, Art Tatum's techniques would contribute to the development of modern jazz, with aspects of his technique influencing musicians including Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Oscar Peterson. Tatum, after his sadly premature death at age 47, was recognized for his considerable talents and his contributions to the jazz world when he was posthumously inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame, the International Hall of Fame, and awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among other honors.

From the Estate of Art Tatum.