Wrestling Heritage

Where else to start than with our Bible.

The Covermen of Wrestling was a Dale Martin publication from 1973.  It simply reproduced the colour front cover portraits from the by then defunct The Wrestler magazine.  Only Judo Al Hayes remained rather oddly excluded, but perhaps his absence in the USA explained that.

By its mere publication, this volume validated our very existence as autograph hunters, at the same time putting on very unstable ground any wrestler who was reluctant to sign.

Street and Barnes were always very accessible, but this fine portrait and quality signatures make this a prized possession:

 

We seldom see photos of Jackie Pallo Junior, but here's his autograph alongside his dad's:

 

So many of these photos were taken immediately after bouts, when a nice pose beforehand may have been preferable.  But Honey Boy looks ok, and he clearly put some effort into providing a legible offering.

Steve Viedor looks decidely post-action, but has put his gown back on and poses co-operatively.  Note a rare signature where the name Steve is legible.  A combined central squiggle was more the norm in his case:

Same circumstances for Wayne Bridges, and the shaky writing is a sure sign that this autograph was secured immediately after a bout.  One inclination is to regret that the quality isn't better as on other Wayne Bridges specimens, on the other hand, perhaps such versions are even more authentic:

 

John Lees' photo was clearly taken before the bout but we can't say the same for his autograph as much better versions exist:

There are plenty more where these came from ...

Regular additions to this section of the site are prepared and ready to appear over the coming months.

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