This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
Before Ric Flair or Hulk Hogan, there was Bruno Sammartino. In 1959, the Italian-American weightlifter bench-pressed a world record 565 lbs. That same year, he made his pro wrestling debut, thus beginning the greatest and most influential career of all time. Sammartino held the WWWF (later shortened to WWF) Heavyweight title from 1963 to ‘71 – the longest reign ever – and added a second title stretch from 1973 to ‘77. “The Living Legend”, as he was best known, competed into his 50s and was a staunch advocate of clean, drug-free competition.
In 2013, Sammartino was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame and received this very impressive award medal. At the induction ceremony, it was Bruno's idol Arnold Schwarzenegger – a fellow European immigrant that made it big – who introduced him. Measuring six inches (15 cm) in diameter, 7 mm thick, and weighing a hefty 27.2 ounces (762 g), the massive hunk of bronze has “INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HALL OF FAME” with its raised logo on the obverse. The reverse has the organization’s mission statement and a placard reading “Bruno Sammartino” along with a smaller logo on top and “HOF” in raised lettering at the bottom. The beautifully-crafted medal presents essentially Mint and is designed with a loop and long purple ribbon. In images and videos from the ceremony, both Bruno and Arnold are shown wearing their awards. The Living Legend passed away in 2018 and his ISHOF induction medal comes directly from his family. Includes letter of provenance from his son.