The jeweler manufactured brass belt buckle measures 4 x 3 inches and has an adjustable 2.5 wide red, white, and blue silk belt. The buckle is wonderfully designed and reads:
1925
BATTLE FLEET CHAMPIONSHIP
Middleweight
Boxing
1926
It is engraved:
Won By R.D. NEAR
JANUARY 22 - 1926
There is a detailed enamel federal shield with gold highlights, and a naval fish and anchor scene on either side. The belt and buckle are unsigned but obviously made by a highly skilled jeweler.
Also included is a photo and scrap album of the sailor to whom the belt is named. It features numerous photos. Some are of him in boxing attire, one with him wearing this very belt and with the name "Bobby Near" on the reverse. The photo album contains over 20 original photos, newspaper clippings about Bobby Near winning the title, boxing crew photos, fight cards which all all hand scored and show Near's multiple wins, menus, and more - all pertaining to the USS California, Battle Fleet boxing, and Robert Near himself. Some of the photos of other Navy boxers are signed and dedicated to their Bob Near himself.
Bobby Near's professional boxing record, which does not include Fleet boxing matches can be found at this link. His professional record was 29-10-7. 19 of his 29 wins were by knock out.
This is a fantastic rare grouping which will appeal to both military and boxing enthusiast and will make a fabulous display.
