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 photograph, depicting a young Max Baer in the ring, gearing up for a fight, inscribed to his close friend, Canadian rodeo champion “Calgary Red”: “Larry this is before we met in 1933. This was taken 1929 Oakland—I was a young one here—Your pal, Max Baer 1957.”

This matte 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.

Approximately 7.5 x 9.5 inches in size. Fine condition.