NELSON, BATTLING INK SIGNED LETTER

HISTORY: Battling Nelson (Oscar Matthew Nielson), The Durable Dane, was born on June 5, 1882 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He began his professional career on September 3, 1896 with a 1 round KO of Wallace's Kid in Hammond, Indiana. He fought for over 20 years retiring after his bout with Freddy Welsh on April 17, 1917. He won the World Lightweight Title on July 4, 1908 stopping the great Joe Gans in 17 rounds. He defended the title 4 times before losing it to Ad Wolgast by TKO in 40 rounds on February 22, 1910. His final career mark was 67-31-25 with 7 no decisions and 1 no contest. He posted career victories in addition to Gans over Dick Hyland, Terry McGovern and Young Corbett. Presented here is a rare signed letter of Battling Nelson written in 1918 shortly after his retirement.

FULL DESCRIPTION: The letter is typed to Joe Tipman of Baltimore and is boldly signed "Battling Nelson" in ink. It comes with an illustrated envelope showing Battling Nelson in training (see scan). The letter has an illustrated letterhead showing Nelson in fight gear hitting a boxing training dummy. From Nelson's own company. Talks about a disappointing business trip and a man he met while training for his fight with Jimmy Britt. A piece out of upper left corner of letterhead, not affecting Nelson's image. Scanned in two parts. Illustration is at top of typed portion. 8 1/2" x 14". Some edgewear. Envelope had been torn open, but is intact with no paper loss. Very rare. I've never seen this letterhead or envelope used except in this instance.