1879 Brass Medal HK-276 Souvenir World Boxing Championship Corbett-Fitzsimmons
Description: A very fine brass souvenir medal or so-called dollar. This is the James "Gentleman Jim" Corbett version of the souvenir medal of the 1897 world champion ship match between Corbet, defending his title against Bob Fitzsimmons in Carson City, Nevada. This is HK-276 showing James J. Corbett's bust on the obverse surrounded by 13 florets and having the name JAS. J. CORBETT below on the obverse. The reverse has the legend "SOUVENIER FOR THECHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD CARSON CITY NEV MARCH 17 1897" within a wreath and the words "CORBETT-FITZSIMMONS CONTEST" along the bottom edge. The medal has a nice brown colored finish and has great eye appeal. The medal has a plain and unmarked edge. A truly nice-looking medal, which would make a worthy addition to any collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Additional Information: The 1897 Corbett Dollar, HK-276, Type One, is "very rare" according to the 1963 Hibler-Kappen edition. This piece depicts Jas. J. "Gentleman Jim" Corbett, while the HK-277, Type Two, portrays his opponent, Robt. Fitzsimmons. Boxing history was made on this day way back in 1897, as Bob Fitzsimmons unleashed his famed solar plexus punch to take out Jim Corbett and take the world heavyweight title. The fight, an epic battle, also holds the distinction as being the first prizefight ever captured on film; while the winner holds the distinction as being the sport's first-ever three-weight world champion. And if that's not enough for historians and fight buffs, a certain Wyatt Earp was in attendance, in defending champ Corbett's corner armed with a revolver (so legend says).
Date: Dated March 17, 1897.
Origin: United States.
Artist: Unknown.
Weight and Size: Brass medal weighing 16.2 grams and is ~34 millimeters in diameter.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Reference: Hibler-Kappen HK-276.
Condition: I would grade the medal as very fine or better with all the details still well preserved and having wear commensurate with that grade. The image of Corbett shows considerable wear especially at the mouth and the edge of the hair. The reverse shows wear to the inscription and some darker toning spots. Be that as it may, this is a rather rare medal that is hard to come by. A great historic boxing piece to add to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information.\
