Fitzsimmons Pinback Info
 

I recently picked up this Robert James Fitzsimmons boxing pinback, I'm looking for a date of issue and value.

The 1896 date is about when it was issued, should be worth $75-125. It is in nice shape so maybe more. There are other boxers and some wrestlers (at least) in the series.

Scott

This pin is from the famous Fitzsimmons-Corbett bout in 1897. The pin comes in two sizes: 7/8" and 1.25". In the smaller size, there is a Corbett mate. In the larger size, there is a Corbett mate, plus two others. The first is Fitzsimmons in a different pose (same trunks), but with the caption Am I In It. Fitzsimmons typically fought in lighter weight classes, but his fight with Corbett was for the heavyweight title. The second pin features a black boxer with the caption Don't Bother Me. The black fighter is heavyweight Peter Jackson, who was excluded from the title bout because of his race. Corbett had previously fought Jackson in an exhibition bout (after 62 rounds it ended in a draw), and said Jackson was the best fighter he ever faced.

These pins are often foxed or cracked. Your specimen is very nice.