Object Details
associated person
Sullivan, John L.
Description (Brief)
In 1887 a gold belt was given to John L. Sullivan, heavyweight boxing champion from 1882 to 1892. At the peak of his career, supporters of the "Boston Strong-Boy" made him a diamond-encrusted belt.
"The Great John L." lost only one of his nearly 50 career fights, falling to jim Corbett in 1892. Later, as Sullivan's income dwindled, he chipped out the diamonds and pawned his belt again and again. In 1901, a jeweler created a replica to display at the Buffalo World's Fair. It is not known whether the Smithsonian's belt is the original or the replica.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Mary A. Delaurier
date made
1887
ID Number
1983.0401.01
accession number
1983.0401
catalog number
1983.0401.01
Object Name
trophy belt, boxing
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
paint; glass; brass; paper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 11 3/4 in x 49 1/2 in x 1 in; 29.845 cm x 125.73 cm x 2.54 cm
overall: 10 3/4 in x 49 1/2 in x 1 in; 27.305 cm x 125.73 cm x 2.54 cm
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Highlights from the Culture and the Arts Collection
Data Source
National Museum of American History
name of sport
Boxing
level of sport
Professional
web subject
Sports
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_681093