Issued by
Amateur Athletic Union, American, founded 1888
Received by
Charles, Ezzard Mack, American, 1921 - 1975
Manufactured by
Unidentified
Date
1938
Medium
cloth , copper alloy
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5 × 33 × 1/4 in. (12.7 × 83.8 × 0.6 cm)
Description
A championship belt presented to Ezzard Charles consists of red, white, and blue striped ribbon with black backing. Back is lined in blue silk. Thinner blue silk ribbons sewn to either end act as the fastener. A rectangular brass plate in the center of belt boasts a circular medallion depicting a woman in flowing robes and a compass. Text around the top and bottom of the plate reads [NATIONAL / CHAMPIONSHIP]. Raised text around the medallion reads [AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION OF THE UNITED STATES MDCCCLXXXVIII]. Either side of medallion stands a bare knuckle boxer. The Ring Magazine Boxing Fighter of the Year 1950 award (2017.28.5) is pinned to the belt.
Place used
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
belts (costume accessories)
Topic
Athletes
Boxing
Sports
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Deborah Charles in loving memory of Ezzard Charles
Object number
2017.28.4
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b7870711-bc1e-4a1c-962b-4071a3e540fc

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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