Presented to Bob Fitzsimmons in 1892 by "The Ring"

Purchased by Fred Kneedler from M.S. Rau Antiques of New Orleans, Louisiana and they described the boxing ring bell as follows: "An extremely rare and unusual boxing bell from the famous stadium in London, England known as The Ring. The bell was a present given to Bob Fitzsimmons a former World Champion Boxer. The bell is heavy and made of solid brass. There is an inscription on the bell which reads "Presented to Bob Fitzsimmons by the Ring - 1892". It comes complete with a gavel to strike the bell and boxing gloves. All in excellent condition."

Comments from Harry Shaffer at antekprizering@earthlink.net a ring historian and avid fight fan. Here is what he had to say.

"Mr. Rau, said in effect that his company had definitely acquired the bell in Europe, but had no idea of it's specific origin. As you may be aware "The Ring" at Blackfriars was not in existence in 1892, and in all of my research I was unable to discover any connection between Robert Fitzsimmons and "The Ring". In point of fact, Fitzsimmons having given up his British citizenship was not held in particularly high regard in England at the turn of the century."

"The 1892 date and a ring bell would be of particular significance relative to Fitzsimmons in that he fought Peter Maher in March of 1892, in New Orleans and was virtually knocked out in the second round, when someone in his corner, many say Choynski, kicked the bell ringing it a minute or so early saving Fitzsimmons from a knockout and certain defeat. All of this, makes me think the bell is intended to in someway commemorate the Fitzsimmons Maher fight of March, 1892, a fight Fitzsimmons ultimately won via a knockout in the twelfth round. These two fighters had more history to come, fighting for "disputed vacated title" of Corbett in February of 1896 at Langtry, Texas, a fight organized with the help of Judge Roy Bean."

My thanks to Fred Kneedler for allowing me to publish these fantastic images. If you can help with any further history of this bell please e-mail me.