Mug Shots of San Francisco Boxers In the Early 20th Century

boxers found 1900s portraits san francisco

 

Princeton University’s early 20th Century album of portraits in the mugshot style of boxers from San Francisco’s The Olympic Club (founded 1860) is a treasure trove.

In her story on the album, Princeton’s Julie Mellby, tells us that the city was a mecca for boxing, earning the nickname “The Cradle of Fistic Stars”. She adds: ‘It is curious that the use of photographic mug shots also began in San Francisco, where Chief of Police James Curtis established the practice in 1857.’

 

boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco

The public can now identify the man on the left as Jimmy Cumpston who fought Al Ramus in 1920

Jimmy Cumpston who fought Al Ramus in 1920

boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco

boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco
boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco
boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco

boxers found 1900s 20th century portraits san francisco

 

Via Princeton

 

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