Amateur Women's Boxing Photo Archive, 1920s-40s

Early Women in Sports

Photograph

Archive of eight black and white silver gelatin photographs of amateur women's boxing matches. Three photographs show women boxing in an outdoor ring clad in their undergarments or swimsuits. Spectators, coaches, and referees are not visible in these photos and they are likely amateur matches between friends or a boxing club. Based on hair and undergarment style, these likely date to the 1940s. Two show women in swimsuits typical of the 1930s posing in boxing gloves in a residential setting. Two of these photographs appear to be staged for a film or photoshoot, with opponents wearing matching boxing uniforms, bobbed hair, and dramatic film makeup typical of the 1920s. Finally there is a photograph of women in a makeshift indoor ring, one brought to her knees by a recent blow. Women's boxing has had a highly controversial history and is still banned professionally in many countries around the world. Exhibition matches in England in the 20s were routinely barred for being "vulgar" and "disgraceful". These photographs document women defying gender roles and social norms to participate in a traditionally masculine sport for their own enjoyment. One photograph has two significant chips to the lower right hand side, not affecting subject matter. Overall, archive is in very good condition. Well preserved photographs from the 1920s-40s of women defying gender roles by participating in amateur boxing.

Item #20617

Price: $385.00