The Old Brass Spittoon Ornament

The Old Brass Spittoon was purchased for $25 in 1950 in hopes of firing up the Spartans prior to their contest with the Hoosiers. Found in a Lansing antique shop by the MSU Junior Class President, Eugene McDermott, it was deemed an appropriate award for the contest. A challenge was issued to and accepted by the Indiana University Student Council in Bloomington, and another great Big Ten tradition was born. The Spittoon is believed to date back to the early 1800s. So while it’s a relatively new traveling trophy, there aren’t many that have been around for over 2 centuries.

This little spittoon stands 3 inches and weighs 3 ounces, so it may be best to use a handkerchief and just admire this little trophy.