Lot 197: (2) 1879 Wooden Presentation Clubs Gifted By Lightweight Champion Arthur Edwards to Billy Edwards, with Original Photo of Both

In 1879, bare knuckle fighters Arthur Chambers and Billy Edwards embarked on a series of pugilistic exhibitions across the country, which they continued on and off until 1904. Quick on his feet, an accurate and hard hitter, Edwards held the Lightweight title from 1868-1872 and retired in 1874. Chambers, the reigning lightweight champ from Great Britain, started fighting at 16 and in 1872 defeated Edwards in 26 rounds to take the title away, holding it from 1872-77, and winning it back in 1879 in 136 rounds against John Clark. These two painted clubs appear to be jugglers' type of clubs. Both read "Presented to Billy Reilly By Arthur Chambers, Lightweight Champion of America, 1879." The photo card of the champs, in their title belts reads "Houseworth's Celebrities, 12 Montgomery St., San Francisco." Edwards later owned a saloon in New York City and Chambers operated a boxing gym and saloon in Philadelphia. He was also the chief financial backer of heavyweight champion John L. Sullivan. Chambers was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000. The clubs measure 25 in. tall and are mounted on later bases. The photograph measures 6 in. by 4 in. Both the clubs and the photo are in overall very good condition, with some wear from age and use.