Inscribed Photograph Signed by SCHMIDT, Hans (1925-2012)

This Canadian wrestler played a villainous German nicknamed "The Munich Menace" and was a top draw in the 1950s; debuting in 1953, he battled Lou Thesz, Killer Kowalski, Yukon Eric, Buddy Rogers and other big names, earning the NWA U.S. championship in 1956-57 and the International championship in 1961 and 1965. Superb matte-finish IPS, heavy stock 16" X 20", n.p. [Chicago, IL], 1961 January 20. Near fine. Set against a light background, this striking closeup half-length portrait shows Schmidt wearing black trunks and a heavyweight championship belt. At upper left, he inscribes it large and bold in blue ballpoint: "Best of Luck / To Donald M. Burnell / Yours in Sports / Jan. 20, 1961 / Hans Schmidt." Though not specified, this was signed in Chicago, where Schmidt had an especially large following and where one writer called him "probably the greatest drawing card in the past decade in the mat game." (He has hair in this image, which shows it is an earlier shot -- Schmidt later shaved his head, as did many ersatz German wrestlers.) This quite nice and highly unusual item was likely created for some now-forgotten promotional purpose, but it bears no photographer's credit or other identifications recto or verso. Choice vintage piece from the "Golden Age of Wrestling" -- likely one of a kind in this large format. Uncommon thus. Superb for display.