Lot # 1724: 1897 Jim Corbett vs. Robert Fitzsimmons World Championship Fight Commemorative Silver Tray

Boxing buffs score a knockout, with the claiming of this 1897 James J. Corbett versus Bob Fitzsimmons World Championship silver tray. Styled with scalloped edges, this 14" x 10-1/2" tray is ornately engraved with remarkably accurate depictions of the heavyweight prizefighters. Corbett and Fitzsimmons are seen facing each in full-length boxing stances. At the top corners are tale of the tape listings, with extensive body measurements. Spanning the width of the tray, is the Heavyweight Championship belt, with images of previous champions, including John L. Sullivan and his prominent handlebar mustache at far right. Running across the bottom is the legend "James J. Corbett and Robert Fitzsimmons Matched to Fight for the Championship of the World on March 17th, 1897". A permission credit for the production of this commemorative keepsake names Richard K. Fox at left, and the maker Carpathian Silver Tray Co. 24 Park Place, NY is credited at right. The back is etched with GNUN and Made in England. Also scratched into the back, is the name Opal Vivian. Wear is moderate, and the engraved details retain a fantastic level of integrity. Corbett became the only fighter to beat John L. Sullivan, when he won the heavyweight title with a 21st round KO to conclude their September 7, 1892 meeting in the ring. Fitzsimmons took the title away from Corbett five years later, in the fight represented by this magnificent 19th Century tray.

The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.