Max Baer

Max Baer (February 11, 1909 - November 21, 1959) former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, authentic, autographed and inscribed vintage 8x10 photograph.

Vintage candid photograph of heavyweight champion Max Baer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, inscribed: “Larry—This was taken when Desi & Lucy were working at RKO in 1940. They own the joint now. I work for you? Your pal, Max Baer 1957.”

This glossy photograph is inscribed by boxing champion Max Baer to his close friend, championship Canadian rodeo rider Robert “Larry” Cameron, known in his riding days as “Calgary Red.” Baer began his professional boxing career in 1929, moving up through the Pacific Coast ranks. By 1933, Baer was a minor celebrity, having knocked out Hitler’s favorite, Max Schmeling, in a highly publicized fight. Just one year later, Baer captured the title, “Heavyweight Champion of the World,” when he knocked down Primo Carnera 11 times. In 1935, after losing his title to “Cinderella Man” James J. Braddock, Baer began to turn away from boxing and eventually left fighting in 1941, when he transitioned fully to entertaining and acting. By the 1950s, Baer had begun making celebrity appearances at Cameron’s auto dealership outside of Sacramento. The pair remained friends until Baer died of a heart attack at age 50 in 1959.

Small closed tear to bottom of print, and slight spotting to Baer’s face. Near-fine condition.