December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
This is an incredible and one-of-a-kind grouping consisting of 7 US Navy heavyweight wrestling belts all named to the same sailor. In 1900, Navy Regulations made the following mention of athletics. In the section dealing with duties of commanding officers is the statement that COs "shall encourage the men to engage in athletics, fencing, boxing, boating, and other similar sports and exercises. Gymnastic outfits will be furnished by the Department to vessels requesting them." These athletics greatly aided in the amusement, comfort, and contentment of shipboard sailors. Finding 1 US Navy championship belt is rare, let along 7 named to the same sailor. The lot consists of the following belts: 1928-1929 Battle Fleet Light-Heavy Weight Wrestling Championship, US Fleet Light Heavyweight 1929, US Fleet Heavyweight Champion March 22, 1930, Battle Fleet Champion Heavyweight Wrestling 1930-31, dated Dec 20, 1930, United States Fleet Heavyweight Wrestling Champion 1931 dated March 21, 1931, US Battle Force Fleet Heavyweight Wrestling Champion 1932-33 dated Nov-23-1932, and US Fleet Champion Heavyweight Wrestling 1933 dated March 10, 1933. All belts are engraved to "A.I. MOORE USS CALIFORNIA". CONDITION: Most belts are constructed of wool wrapped with silk ribbon and exhibit mothing and obvious fraying. Belt plates exhibit a wonderful patina with age and handling wear. Engravings remain crisp.