Jun 12 at 12:00 PM - Sale 2708 -
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Sale 2708 - Lot 183

Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(SPORTS--BOXING.) R.A. Lewis, photographer. Carte-de-visite of Harry Buermeyer, NYAC founder and heavyweight boxing champion. Albumen photograph, 3¾ x 2 inches, on original mount with photographer's backmark; corners slightly clipped, minor foxing; signed and inscribed on verso "Yours resp'y, H./E. Buermeyer, Co. F, 83d N.Y.V." New York, circa 1861-1864
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Additional Details

This photograph shows a Civil War sergeant in the 83rd New York Infantry. Although he was twice wounded seriously in this hard-fighting regiment, he was much better known for his athletic exploits after the war.

Henry Ernest Buermeyer (1839-1922) was perhaps the best all-around athlete in New York City during and after the Civil War era. In a period before specialization, he won championships in rowing, the 100-yard dash, and the shot put. He shone brightest in boxing, recording the first knockout at Madison Square Garden in 1878, and winning the first heavyweight boxing championship in 1879. He was a founding member of the New York Athletic Club in 1868.

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