Two gold-tone officials’ badges from the International Golden Gloves boxing tournaments sponsored by the Chicago Tribune in 1939 and 1940, which consisted of the best amateur boxers in America and Europe clashing across numerous weight classes. The 1939 badge is shield-shaped and features an embossed design of boxers in a ring with raised text, “May 12, 1939, Chicago Tribune, International Golden Gloves, Europe vs Chicago,” and the 1940 example is circular with a similar boxing design with text, “Chicago Tribune, Europe vs Chicago, Apr. 10, 1940, International Golden Gloves.” Both are suspended from ribbons with upper badges marked “Official.” The reverse of both badges bears the maker marks of William Schridde Co. of Chicago.
The Chicago Tribune Golden Gloves is a historic and prestigious amateur boxing tournament, founded in 1923 by Arch Ward, sports editor of the Chicago Tribune. Created to promote amateur boxing in Chicago, it quickly grew into one of the most respected competitions in the sport. Beginning in 1928, Chicago champions faced New York champions in the famed Inter-City Golden Gloves, and over time, the event expanded to include international competition, further elevating its status. Many notable boxers launched their careers through this tournament, and by the 1960s, it became part of the broader National Golden Gloves system while still retaining its iconic Chicago identity.
