Bob Fitzsimmons
World Heavyweight, Middleweight, and Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion · Boxing / Combat Sports
Professional Boxing Hall of Fame
Era
Turn of the 20th century - Circa 1899-1915
Item Type
Vintage cabinet card / 1899 copyright photograph
Condition
Fair to Poor, showing surface creasing, corner wear, and loss at the bottom left corner.
Rarity
Extremely rare; genuine autographs of Bob Fitzsimmons from his fighting era seldom appear on the market.
Overall Assessment
A remarkable piece of boxing history paired with an elusive Victorian-era signature, demanding rigorous professional authentication.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional in-person authentication due to scarcity of exemplars and condition challenges.
Signature Style
Full formal cursive signature with vintage penmanship typical of the late Victorian era.
Signature Characteristics
Flowing nineteenth-century cursive script with pronounced loops and consistent pressure.
Ink & Medium
Vintage fountain pen ink, likely black or dark brown iron gall ink, showing age-appropriate oxidation and fading.
Item Description
Original 1899 Klein & Guttenstein copyrighted cabinet card photograph featuring Bob Fitzsimmons in a boxing stance.
Estimated Value
$1,500 to $4,000 depending on definitive autograph authentication.
Comparison to Known Examples
Limited verified exemplars exist, but overall stroke mechanics align with late-Victorian penmanship.
Authentication Tips
Compare letter formations with authenticated period documents and check for genuine ink feathering under magnification.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication (JSA)
Red Flags
The item shows heavy wear and potential fading which can obscure forensic detail.
Provenance Notes
Estate history, early collector provenance, or family lineage documentation is crucial for high-value 19th-century sports items.
Historical Context
Bob Fitzsimmons was boxing's first three-division world champion and a legendary figure in sports history.
Market Trends
Strongly appreciating for elite 19th-century sports pioneers and boxing hall of famers.
Investment Potential
High long-term investment potential due to extreme scarcity and historical importance.
Similar Autographs
John L. Sullivan, James J. Corbett, Peter Jackson
Display & Preservation
Store in an acid-free UV-protective holder away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Interesting Facts
Known as 'Ruby Robert', he possessed an incredible punch despite his relatively lean physique.