FITZSIMMONS, ROBERT SOUVENIR HORSESHOE (EARLY 1900'S)

HISTORY: Robert James Fitzsimmons (26 May 1863 – 22 October 1917) was a British professional boxer who made boxing history as the sport's first three-division world champion. He also achieved fame for beating Gentleman Jim Corbett, (the man who beat John L. Sullivan), and he is in The Guinness Book of World Records as the lightest heavyweight champion. Nicknamed "Ruby Robert" and "The Freckled Wonder", he took pride in his lack of scars and appeared in the ring wearing heavy woolen underwear to conceal the disparity between his trunk and leg-development. He was also known for his pure fighting skills due to dislike of training for fights, which cost him at times in his career. Considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, Fitzsimmons is ranked as No. 8 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. His time working in the blacksmith's forge helped to develop his upper body, particularly his arms and shoulders. During his time working in the blacksmith's forge, there are stories that Fitzsimmons was not averse to fighting quarrelsome, often drunk, customers, and it was suggested that this even boosted business, as customers returned to the forge, hoping to see a fight. When Fitzsimmons achieved success in the ring it became his habit to forge souvenir horseshoes to give to his important supporters. We offer one such horseshoe here which was forged by Robert Fitzsimmons and engraved at the top with his name.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is iron horseshoe painted gold and forged by Robert Fitzsimmons. Engraved at the top, BOB FITZSIMMONS. No noticeable flaws. 6 inches high by 5 inches wide.