Alex Agase had a fascinating life, both on and off the football field.  After starring at the University of Illinois, Agase entered the United States military as the country’s involvement in World War II heightened. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and, sent to Purdue University as a Marine trainee, played for the school’s football team. During the war, he fought in the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima and even earned a Purple Heart. Agase returned to Illinois in 1946 and led the team to an 8-2 record (ranked 5th in the final AP poll), including a Rose Bowl victory over fourth-ranked UCLA. He was named All-American and the Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player.

Agase was a three-time All-American (1942, 1943 & 1946) and was named to the Walter Camp Foundation and University of Illinois All-Century Teams. Agase was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963. Offered here is the very ring presented to Alex Agase for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. This 10-karat gold ring has a large football-shaped diamond set in the recessed center with “HALL OF FAME” in raised lettering on the inside borders of the top. Surrounding the outside top is “NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION”. The lettering on the outside shows wear. The left shank has “ILLINOIS” recessed on a banner with a coliseum image below. “PURDUE” is also recessed on a home plate shaped image. The opposite shank has “AGASE” recessed on a banner, with an image of a football player surrounded by laurels and “ELECTED 1963” recessed on a home plate-shaped image below. The ring weighs approximately 29.96 grams and is a size 11 ¼ and on the inside band is stamped "LGB10K". The ring is in good overall condition given its age with some tarnish marks on the inside band and other fade marks. Also included in this lot is a 10 karat gold-filled 2 ¼ x 1-inch money clip. The top has recessed diagonal stirpes with a center that has “ALEX” and “12*258 ‘49” etched. The outside of the clip has engraved “All my love Norma” (his wife) and “SWANK 1/10 10K G.F”. This clip is in good condition with some scratches, edge wear and tarnish. This comes with a LOA from the family of Alex Agase.

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