American athlete William ‘Yank’ Robbins’s historic ‘No. 4’ competitor’s bib that he wore during the controversial ‘first final’ of the 400-meter race at the London 1908 Olympics. The cardstock bib, 3.5 x 4.5, features a large “4” in black paint and is affixed to a period 8 x 11.5 scrapbook page with two clipped newspaper images. Included with Robbins’s final ‘4’ bib are the bibs he wore during his preliminary heat and his semifinal race, which are marked “31” and “14,” respectively. In fine condition, with expected wear and soiling. Accompanied by a vintage 5.75 x 9.75 portrait photo of Robbins by the Potter Studio of Mansfield, Ohio, and a photocopy of a newspaper article with an image of Robbins (pictured at the far right) set to cross the finish line of the 400-meter and wearing his No. 4 bib.
This 400-meter race holds the distinction of not only being the most controversial event of the London Games but, some would say, in the full history of the modern Olympics. The final resulted in the disqualification of American runner John Carpenter who was accused by the British officials of a maneuver that was legal under American rules but prohibited by the British rules under which the race was run. As part of the disqualification of Carpenter, a second final race was ordered, with Halswelle to face the other two finalists again. These athletes, Americans William Robbins and John Taylor, boycotted the re-run final to protest the judges' decision. Thus, Halswelle was the only runner and the only medallist in the 400-meter. The ‘second final’ of the 400-meter remains the only walkover in Olympic track and field history.
