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German Boxer, World Heavyweight Champion 1930-32., Max Schmeling, one page, Lake Swannanoa Country Club, Oak Ridge, Morris County, New Jersey, 17th May 1933, to Harold I. Busch, on the scarce printed stationery of the Max Schmeling Training Camp advertising his upcoming bout on 8th June against Max Baer at the Yankee Stadium in New York, promoted by Jack Dempsey. Schmeling forwards a signed photograph as requested by his correspondent. Some light, minor creasing and age wear, otherwise VG In 1932 the Nazi Party had become the most powerful political force in Germany and Schmeling was viewed as an extension of Hitler’s plans for world domination. When he was slated to fight heavy-hitting contender Max Baer on 8th June 1933, he immediately became the ‘bad guy’ in the eyes of fans. Baer, who did not practice the Jewish religion but had a Jewish father, came into the ring wearing the Star of David on his shorts. Promoter Jack Dempsey played up this angle and suddenly the fight was viewed as Baer defending his faith against the prejudice of the Nazis, represented reluctantly by Schmeling. Thrown off of his game in part by the bad publicity but also because of Baer’s wild, brawling style and frequent fouls, Schmeling was thrashed after ten rounds before nearly 60,000 onlookers at Yankee Stadium
FOLDED, BUT VERY FINE