Antique Watercolour Advertising Poster Promoting An Iconic Fred Welsh Boxing Bout In 1909
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Description
Stunning & iconic antique fight promo for the famous lightweight Welsh Wizard (1886 – 1927): a World & Olympic boxing champion. The piece appears to be painted on a very fine linen ground. Charming meandering lettering – all untouched original condition. Most vibrant undamaged colour retention on lettering. Original gilded pine frame to include backing board & blacksmith made pins.
Additional Comments
There is much online regarding both Fred Welsh & the specific fight featured in this intriguing piece.
Freddie Welsh was a Welsh World boxing champion of tough mining stock. Born in Pontypridd & nicknamed the "Welsh Wizard". He made a name for himself in America turning professional 1905 & spending the best part of his career fighting there.
There were very few fighters of a sufficient calibre to test Welsh in Britain but on 8th November 1909, Welsh got his chance to face Johnny Summers, for the British and European lightweight championship: it is this iconic fight portrayed here.
The Summers fight occurred at the National Sporting Club in Covent Garden, with a purse of £2,200 & the Lonsdale Belt up for grabs. Welsh took control from the first round & one reporter counted 200 successful blows to Summer’s head. Various members of the crowd jeered Welsh's use of the kidney punch, which although not outlawed at the time was seen as unsporting. The fight went the distance, with Welsh winning on points. In taking the Lonsdale Belt he was the pride of Wales and America, but many saw Welsh as a cold & cynical boxer.
Some discoloration & loss to the base of ground, commensurate with 100 plus age, all of which adds to the considerable charm to the piece.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 42x28x2.5 cm
Ref: WC26
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Description
Stunning & iconic antique fight promo for the famous lightweight Welsh Wizard (1886 – 1927): a World & Olympic boxing champion. The piece appears to be painted on a very fine linen ground. Charming meandering lettering – all untouched original condition. Most vibrant undamaged colour retention on lettering. Original gilded pine frame to include backing board & blacksmith made pins.
Additional Comments
There is much online regarding both Fred Welsh & the specific fight featured in this intriguing piece.
Freddie Welsh was a Welsh World boxing champion of tough mining stock. Born in Pontypridd & nicknamed the "Welsh Wizard". He made a name for himself in America turning professional 1905 & spending the best part of his career fighting there.
There were very few fighters of a sufficient calibre to test Welsh in Britain but on 8th November 1909, Welsh got his chance to face Johnny Summers, for the British and European lightweight championship: it is this iconic fight portrayed here.
The Summers fight occurred at the National Sporting Club in Covent Garden, with a purse of £2,200 & the Lonsdale Belt up for grabs. Welsh took control from the first round & one reporter counted 200 successful blows to Summer’s head. Various members of the crowd jeered Welsh's use of the kidney punch, which although not outlawed at the time was seen as unsporting. The fight went the distance, with Welsh winning on points. In taking the Lonsdale Belt he was the pride of Wales and America, but many saw Welsh as a cold & cynical boxer.
Some discoloration & loss to the base of ground, commensurate with 100 plus age, all of which adds to the considerable charm to the piece.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 42x28x2.5 cm
Ref: WC26
A better price may be available. Please enquire below.
Description
Stunning & iconic antique fight promo for the famous lightweight Welsh Wizard (1886 – 1927): a World & Olympic boxing champion. The piece appears to be painted on a very fine linen ground. Charming meandering lettering – all untouched original condition. Most vibrant undamaged colour retention on lettering. Original gilded pine frame to include backing board & blacksmith made pins.
Additional Comments
There is much online regarding both Fred Welsh & the specific fight featured in this intriguing piece.
Freddie Welsh was a Welsh World boxing champion of tough mining stock. Born in Pontypridd & nicknamed the "Welsh Wizard". He made a name for himself in America turning professional 1905 & spending the best part of his career fighting there.
There were very few fighters of a sufficient calibre to test Welsh in Britain but on 8th November 1909, Welsh got his chance to face Johnny Summers, for the British and European lightweight championship: it is this iconic fight portrayed here.
The Summers fight occurred at the National Sporting Club in Covent Garden, with a purse of £2,200 & the Lonsdale Belt up for grabs. Welsh took control from the first round & one reporter counted 200 successful blows to Summer’s head. Various members of the crowd jeered Welsh's use of the kidney punch, which although not outlawed at the time was seen as unsporting. The fight went the distance, with Welsh winning on points. In taking the Lonsdale Belt he was the pride of Wales and America, but many saw Welsh as a cold & cynical boxer.
Some discoloration & loss to the base of ground, commensurate with 100 plus age, all of which adds to the considerable charm to the piece.
Dimensions (W, H & D): 42x28x2.5 cm
Ref: WC26