Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

1912 Max Rigot Postcards Overview

The Max Rigot postcards set featured wrestlers of the pre-war era. Notably, the set really focused on two individual stars in George Hackenschmidt and Frank Gotch.

Known as the Max Rigot postcards set, these were developed by the Max Rigot Selling Agency or Max Rigot Selling Company. The company issued many different postcards, though, few are as famous as this issue featuring two of the greatest wrestlers of all time. As stated on the backs, the company was located in the Powers Building in Chicago.

The postcards were black and white, using real images of the two grapplers. They have mostly thin white borders but a few have thicker, larger ones on the sides. The set includes both horizontal and vertical images.

A few other wrestlers are included in the set but Hackenschmidt and Gotch are the focal points. At least one of them is on every postcard and they are facing off against each other on a couple of them. Gotch is on eight postcards while Hackenschmidt is seen ten times.

Each postcard is numbered along with the short caption it is given. Backs included a simple divided style with one side intended for the sender’s message and the other including a place for a recipient address. Obviously postcards that have not been used/written upon command more money.

1912 Max Rigot Postcards Checklist

1. Gotch and Hackenschmidt in ring / Referee Smith
2. Frank Gotch
3. One of Gotch’s Favorite Holds
4. Gotch and His Trainers
5. Frank Gotch
6. Gotch & Hackenschmidt & Referee Smith
7. Hackenschmidt’s Corner
8. Gotch in a Practice Bout
9. Gotch’s Corner
10. Hackenschmidt
11. Hackenschmidt (front view)
12. Hackenschmidt Displaying his Wonderful Muscles
13. Jacob Koch, Hackenschmidt, Americus, Dr. BF Roller
14. Hackenschmidt Wrestling with Dr. Roller
15. Hackenschmidt and Americus Wrestling
16. Hackenschmidt Wrestling with Dr. Roller