Max Baer

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

Original black-and-white publicity photograph of heavyweight champion Max Baer in his role as movie personality, inscribed: “To the ‘Champion Duck Hunter,’ Larry Cameron. May you never miss a one. Thanks for your kindness to me, and mine. Your friend, Max Baer, 1-11-56;” and on the verso: “Larry, I fooled the camera 15 years ago. Oh me, such is age. Max.”

This glossy photograph is inscribed from 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. This image was captured at a fight in Oakland. 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 tragic heart attack at age 50 in 1959. This vintage publicity photograph was taken at the start of Baer’s career as a movie personality, and was presented to Cameron 15 years later.

Approximately 7.5 x 10 inches in size. Marginal adherence to glazing (glass). Near-fine condition, inscribed twice.