Lot # 1440: March 17th, 1897 "The Great Fight" James Corbett vs. Robert Fitzsimmons Commemorative Souvenir Medallion

On March 17, 1897, The Race Track Arena in Carson City, Nevada would host the World Heavyweight Championship title bout between reigning champion James J. Corbett (33-0-5) and Ruby Robert Fitzsimmons (57-7-14). A fourteenth round knock-out would see the wily veteran Fitzsimmons defeat Gentleman Jim to gain the title of World Champion. The fight would be released to cinemas, notable as the longest film ever released to date! Presented is an approximately 2"x1-1/4" medallion commemorating the fight. With ornate surroundings, the pin reads Great Fight, Corbett & Fitzsimmons, Carson City, Nev., 1897. Partially obscured, the back bears the stamping of the historic Milwaukee based Schwaab Stamp & Seal Co. Despite some instances of tarnish, the frontal engravings are clearly legible, with the interior pugilistic in-action image also easily distinguished. Overall, a tremendous relic from a fight which will forever be remembered.