1916 Sam Langford, Harry Wills, Sam McVey and Albert Badoud - Vintage Boxing Postcard - World War 1 Fundraising Exhibition Bout Aboard the "S.S. Vasari"
Item Description
Subjects - Sam Langford vs. Albert Badoud exhibition bout
Also pictured are: Harry Wills (in fight robe off to the left), Sam McVey (visible 2nd row of the crowd behind Langford)
A great historical boxing related postcard. The only time I have seen these three great African-American boxers in the same image.
A little history of this event: Held on the deck of the Lamport & Holt Liner, the S.S. Vasari. The Vasari was a luxury ship of the time that regularly traveled between New York and Argentina. This was a benefit for The Red Cross meant to raise funds for wounded soldiers during World War I. It was reported in European Sporting Publications of the day, that 2000 francs was raised during this event.
It appears other boxers were also involved. We see Langford sparring with Swiss Champion Albert Badoud, however there are several other familiar faces in fight gear scattered about the crowd. Harry Wills can be seen to the left in his fight robe, and Sam McVey can be seen sticking his head out of the encircled crowd toward the back right of the image. Several other unidentified figures can also be seen in fight gear.
Vintage 1916 Rotogravure Photo style postcard published in Switzerland
There is a very faded inscription barely visible near the top of the postcard. It appears to be hand-dated August of 1916. Likely it is in the hand of the Swiss Boxer, Albert Badoud, as this postcard was produced in his home country, and he was a globe-trotting boxer known to engage in lots of correspondence with others during this era.
Size - About 3 5/8" x 5 1/2" inches
Condition - About GD condition with general handling wear. Some light creasing and wear visible as shown.
Click images to enlarge and see better detail.
(Important Note - Only (1) of each item is available, unless otherwise mentioned in the description of each item listed.)
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