Paul Pons' Golden Belt
- Inventory number
- 2025.25.2
- Barcode
- 93725
- Type
- Ceinture
- Period
- 1902
- Sport
- Lutte
- Creator / Author
- Leneuf Victor
- Origin
- Achat en vente publique/préemption de Vermot et Associésachat par préemption de Vermot et Associés (24 mai 2025)
- Usage
- Récompense
- Materials
- Argent , cuir
- Dimensions
- 23,5 - 46 - P 13
- Weight
- 2,25 kg
Physical description
Award belt composed of three silver medallions, initially gold-plated, they are connected by rings and hung from a white leather belt. The central medallion is larger than the two side medallions, on each medal is a relief scene depicting Hercules through his work against the Nemean lion.
Notes
The Golden Belt, which appeared in 1902, is the world's first wrestling trophy. The award is offered by Maison Dubonnet, a specialist in flavoured wine. A true celebration of athletic strength, the Golden Belt consecrates the most popular wrestler at the turn of the twentieth century: Paul Pons. It alone symbolises the golden age of this struggle, which for a time followed that of the fair shacks, and precedes by about ten years the official creation of the International Federations (1912) and the French Federation (1913). Born in Sorgues (Vaucluse), Paul Pons (1864-1912), a blacksmith in his village, was discovered in a local competition, then moved from Bordeaux to Paris, and asserted himself in 1891 with his victory at the Casino de Paris against the Briton Tom Cannon. Pons has an exceptional presence (1.96 m, 115 kg, size 50). It was he who won the "first World Championship", that of 1898, organised by Alexandre de Lucenski, director of the Journal des sports. The tournament brings together about thirty competitors. Paul Pons wins his duel against the Russian Pitlazinski. His sporting career is phenomenal. In 1902, 1903 and 1904, he proved unbeatable in the famous "Golden Belt" tournament.
Photo credits
© @ Collection MNS