19thc. Staffordshire Boxing Group titled Heenan & Sayers.Heenan, the tallerboxers, stands on the left.  Both boxers are bare to the waist and each has his fist in the other's face.  They wear breeches and long stockings. Two plain posts in the background. Tom Sayers was born in Pimlico in 1826-65, he started life as abrick layer.  He fought is first fight in 1849 and was only beaten once thereafter. On April 17th 1860 he partook in the most famous barefist fight ofg the nineteenth centry.  Although only a middle-weight, he was matched against John Carmel Heenan "The BeniciaBoy" the greatest American heavy-weight since Tom Molineaux.  The fight which took place in Farnborough, aroused intense public interest being attended by over 12,000 spectators.  Sayers who scaled 10 stone, 10 pounds and stook 5 feet, 8 inches gave 3 stone and was 6 inches shorter than Heenan.  In the 4th round Sayers dislocated his right arm which remained useless for the remainder of the fight.  Although outclassed physically, he continued to hold his own against Heenan by superb courage and footwork.  The fight lasted for two hours and six minutes and ended after 37 rounds in a draw, by which time the American's face had been terribly savaged and he was virtually blind, and the Englishman had been knocked down on numberous occasions.  The verdict was thought to be well merited, and the champion's belt was awarded to each contestant.  Sayers retired after this fight and refused to accept Heenan's challenge.  He died later from T.B., the public subscribing £3000 for his dependants.
Height: 9"
Condition: restoration to arms, some pitting under the glaze done at time of firing.
Ref # 4841 - £350