FITZSIMMONS, ROBERT SOUVENIR HORSESHOE (1897)

JO Sports Inc.

Regular price $4,500.00

HISTORY:  Robert James Fitzsimmons (26 May 1863 – 22 October 1917) was a British professional boxer who made boxing history as the sport's first three-division world champion. He also achieved fame for beating Gentleman Jim Corbett, (the man who beat John L. Sullivan), and he is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the lightest heavyweight champion. Nicknamed "Ruby Robert" and "The Freckled Wonder", he took pride in his lack of scars and appeared in the ring wearing heavy woolen underwear to conceal the disparity between his trunk and leg-development. He was also known for his pure fighting skills due to dislike of training for fights, which cost him at times in his career. Considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, Fitzsimmons is ranked as No. 8 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. His time working in the blacksmith's forge helped to develop his upper body, particularly his arms and shoulders. During his time working in the blacksmith's forge, there are stories that Fitzsimmons was not averse to fighting quarrelsome, often drunk, customers, and it was suggested that this even boosted business, as customers returned to the forge, hoping to see a fight. When Fitzsimmons achieved success in the ring it became his habit to forge souvenir horseshoes to give to his important supporters. We offer one such horseshoe here which was forged by Robert Fitzsimmons. This horseshoe was made for Robert H. Davis who wrote a biography of Fitzsimmons entitled RUBY ROBERT in 1926.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a silver metallic horseshoe. The horseshoe has 6 frontal pegs and a stand at the rear in the shape of a horse's leg. Engraved at the top, "From Robert Fitzsimmons To my Friend Mr. Robert H. Davis Carson City March 17th 1897." Completely intact. Minor edge and surface wear. Irregularly shaped to 5" x 6." Rare, especially inscribed to someone of significance in the life of Robert Fitzsimmons.

Size: 5" x 6"

Condition: Excellent