Fall 2018 - Item detail
1938 Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling Fight Poster
- Sold For:
- $270
- Year:
- 1938
- Auction:
- 2018 Fall
- Lot #:
- 2463
- Category:
- Boxing/Golf/Other Cards or Memorabilia
Theater poster heralding the showing of the heavyweight championship bout between Max Schmeling and Joe Louis held at Yankee Stadium in New York on June 22, 1938. This bout, which marked the second meeting between the two fighters, is regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sporting events in history. For boxing purists it offered the opportunity to witness Joe Louis square off against the only man who had beaten him professionally (Schmeling knocked Louis out in 1936). For others the bout took on even greater importance due to the political and social ramifications of the time. Adolph Hitler had risen to power in Germany and had already begun his persecution of the Jews as well as a pattern of territorial expansion that would result in World War II. Schmeling, unfairly it seems, was used as a tool by Hitler to promote his views of Aryan supremacy (Schmeling held the heavyweight title briefly in 1930). For that reason the bout was viewed by many as a fight not only between men, but of ideals. As the fight date grew closer the hysteria over the bout began to consume the American public. Louis was even summoned to the White House, where The New York Times quoted President Roosevelt as telling him, "Joe, we need muscles like yours to beat Germany." When the day finally arrived, over 70,000 fans packed Yankee Stadium and the fight was broadcast in four languages as millions around the world listened to the call. With the weight of a nation resting squarely on his shoulders, Louis responded with one of the greatest performances of his career. The "Brown Bomber" pummeled the challenger unmercifully at the sound of the bell and knocked him down twice before Schmeling's corner quickly threw in the towel. The fight lasted just two minutes and four seconds. Just as Jesse Owens had done previously in the 1936 Olympics, Louis had not only retained his title but repudiated on the world stage Hitler's claims of Aryan supremacy. In a career punctuated by numerous highlights, this was clearly his finest hour.
In an age before television, the only way in which people could see the fight live was to attend in person. For those not fortunate enough to do so, theaters across the country presented a film of the fight shortly afterwards. This theater poster is one of the rare surviving examples promoting that filming. The poster, issued by the "Gem" theater (no town or state is listed) advertises for two showings on "Wed-Thu-June 29-30." Full-length images of both boxers are featured prominently on the front, with the text reading "Official Pictures - Schmeling Louis Championship Fight - Plus Usual Screen Program." The poster (22 x 28), which is printed on cardboard stock, displays heavy wear, including moderate-to-heavy creases, edge tears, tack and staple holes, a few light stains, and tape repair on the reverse to one of the tears (the largest tear is approximately four inches running vertically from the top border). In Fair to Good condition. It should be noted that many of the flaws can be addressed by professional restoration and the poster displays at a higher level than that suggested by its technically accurate grade. The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).
In an age before television, the only way in which people could see the fight live was to attend in person. For those not fortunate enough to do so, theaters across the country presented a film of the fight shortly afterwards. This theater poster is one of the rare surviving examples promoting that filming. The poster, issued by the "Gem" theater (no town or state is listed) advertises for two showings on "Wed-Thu-June 29-30." Full-length images of both boxers are featured prominently on the front, with the text reading "Official Pictures - Schmeling Louis Championship Fight - Plus Usual Screen Program." The poster (22 x 28), which is printed on cardboard stock, displays heavy wear, including moderate-to-heavy creases, edge tears, tack and staple holes, a few light stains, and tape repair on the reverse to one of the tears (the largest tear is approximately four inches running vertically from the top border). In Fair to Good condition. It should be noted that many of the flaws can be addressed by professional restoration and the poster displays at a higher level than that suggested by its technically accurate grade. The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).