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SPORT FENCING
Many of these pictures are clearly selected to show action. Unlike the drawings used to illustrate early fencing, sport fencing used photographs. In an age of slower film speeds images of fencing in low light indoor environments would be difficult to capture. Olympic stars were, therefore, often photographed when still. Bouts between fencers out of doors, in bright light conditions when fast action could be captured by slow film, are also popular. In the latter case some cards did not even bother to note who was fencing.
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Collection 6, Olympia 1932, group 23, picture 143.
This card depicts Olympic victors in the individual foil competition of 1932. Starting from the left G. Marzi (Italy), J. Lewis (USA) and G. Gaudini (Italy). The main focus of this card is the image, which is of great interest because of the height difference. The back contains a prodigious advertisement that gives little insight into the image, but which promotes the collection of images. Somewhat strangely, the company that issued the cards did not include their own company name or details.
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Same maker as 7, though maker not listed. Collection 14, Olympia 1932 series II, group 61, picture 175.
This caption laconically states that this is a bout between Handrick and Bramfield.
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Same maker as 7 and 8. Collection 14, Olympia 1936 series II, group 61, picture 126.
The caption on the back states that this is a bout between the German master Ms Hedwig Hass and Thea Keller (Romania). It is interesting to note that the figures on this card are women, but they are almost indistinguishable from images from male fencers. Most female fencers from this age were depicted without masks (as is considered in a special section).
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German Sport, picture 63. Bulgaria cigarette factory, Dresden.
The caption on the back of the card reads: “Becoming fencing masters after a year long period of training.” It does not state who the fencers are. The “Bulgaria” cigarette factory of Dresden prominently displays its symbol and contact details on the back of this card. It further states that albums for the 286 pictures in this series can be obtained from either the company or a tobacconist.
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German Sport, picture 64. Bulgaria cigarette factory, Dresden.
The caption simply states that this is a bout between sabre fencers outside. It does not state who the people are or which tournament is being depicted. From the photograph of the fencer with his back to the viewer it appears that he is not wearing a glove.
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Bulgaria Sport - Photos, picture 215.
The caption on the back reads: “Master Casmir. This worthy German fencer has represented Germany for years. The Frankfurter is among the best in the world. In the 1926 Olympic games in foil he was second behind the Frenchman Boudin, and ahead of the Italians Gaudini and Puliti. The caption states that he was responsible for training Helene Meyer, herself a world master (see cards 21-23).
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Monopol - Sportphotos, picture 703.
This is a card from yet another cigarette factory. The caption on the back reads: “Erwin Casmir, Frankfurt aM. This multi-talented German fencing master represented Germany in many international tournaments.” This is a very different image from 12.
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Trumph chocolate factory, Berlin. Album c, series 6, picture 2.
The caption states that: “Martial sport, Reich officers involved in epee fencing.” There is a uniformed German officer in the background. The caption does not give the names of the fencers. This is one of the few cards that have an overt military theme. Chocolate was issued at the time to the military as a high calorie dietary supplement, so there may be some connection.
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Salem cigarette factory, Dresden, volume II, picture 188.
The caption on the back of this card states that: “Our youngest learn how to fence”. One hopes that the children posing in this image do not fence as they are currently attired, as some are wearing short sleeved shirts and no gloves. They are also all wearing shorts, which would clearly not meet current health and safety standards.
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