Description
“Champion ‘Catch as Catch Can’ Wrestler of the World”. Lewis was one of the true fathers of American wrestling. He won his first title in 1887. This Chicago Banknote Company poster was produced by ‘Parson’ Davies Champion Specialty Company, Lewis’ handler. While Lewis would become a world-class Greco-Roman champion, he became famous with his head-lock, using it to great effect in the murky underground sport of professional wrestling in the U.S. in the 1880s. We have never seen another example of this poster anywhere. It is also by far the most reasonably priced advertising for a 19th Century athelete that you will ever see offered. Unique? Near-mint on linen.
