Boxe - Max Schmeling - Photograph

Rare autograph of Max Schmeling on a photo, the autograph has been authenticated by Beckett with its authentication number. The number is listed on Beckett's website: BS31573.

Max Schmeling was the most accomplished German athlete of his time. In 1930, he became the first foreigner to steal the heavyweight crown from the Americans, who had held it exclusively for over 30 years.

At the dawn of the Second World War, the fight between the German Max Schmeling and the undefeated American Joe Louis was a confrontation of political ideologies—the most violent the world has ever known. Max Schmeling delivered a brutal knockout to Joe Louis in the 12th round. Max Schmeling then became an icon of Nazi Germany, and this fight became a symbolic battle for Hitler and his ideology.
Following this fight, Joe Louis was invited by the President of the USA, Franklin D. Roosevelt, to the White House, where he was told, 'Joe, we need your muscles to defeat Germany.'
The rematch takes place, and Joe Louis knocks out the German Max Schmeling; Max returns to Germany in total indifference.

Max Schmeling saved two Jewish teenagers during Kristallnacht and will help them escape Germany.