(If you DON'T see an index frame on the left...click RING MEMORABILIA above.)

BRUNO SAMMARTINO

WRESTLING MEMORABILIA

"Wrestling's  LIVING LEGEND"

 

Images are thumb nailed...click on them for a larger view!!

 

Bruno Sammartino - 1st Sellout at the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh

Video stops at 4:35 mark and picks up again at 7:03

 

 

"THE WIN" 48 sec. 5/17/63

  

 

Vintage Bruno Pennant

Circa 1961/62

 

Bruno World Champion Pennant might be circa 1973 (anyone seen another?)

 

 

If anyone has any old wrestling pennants for sale or any other rare Bruno stuff, please contact me at RINGMEMORABILIA

 

 

Original 1964 Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago Card

 

Original Promo of Bruno Sammartino (circa 1962) - Prior to winning the WWWF Title.  Heralds an upcoming appearance at a local WWWF show.

 

Original 4 page Promo of Bruno (circa 1964) Cool pics of Bruno beating Rogers.

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

Original Bruno Sammartino 45 RPM Interview Record.

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  

 

 

Original Bruno Sammartino Playing Cards.  The Brain Child of Willie Gilzenberg.

 

 

Original Bruno Mags (circa 1968 and 1976)

 

 

Original color 8 X 10 - autographed by The Living Legend, Bruno Sammartino.

This outstanding original photo, circa 1977 has been professionally matted to 11 x 14 and is ready to frame.  A distinctive signed Bruno piece.  Original images are always cool to have signed as they stand alone in the collection.

 

 

 

Original 8 x 10 photograph of Bruno & friends between lifts at the Mid-City Gym NYC. Autographed by Bruno in Ballpoint.

 

 

 

Cool Original 8 x 10 of Bruno in the Ring (Lou Albano & Jimmy Valient also).

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

Original vintage artwork of The Living Legend.  Magnificent portrayal of Bruno, acknowledging the fans, after a particularly tough match.  On oversized heavy paper, in pencil and charcoal, all it needs is a nice frame.

 

 

 

 

 

ORIGINAL BRUNO PINBACK BUTTON - 1976 - Scarce - Measures 3 1/2 inches in diameter

 

 

 

Original Program For The Match Of The Century.

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

VINTAGE ORIGINAL ON-SITE WRESTLING POSTERS

 

Original on-site poster from the Municipal Auditorium, Kingston, NY - October 22, 1960.     For sale at $150.        NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lou Thesz vs. Bruno Sammartino - NWA Championship

This is the historic, original on-site poster from the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens bout with the great Lou Thesz, held on March 14, 1963.

Thesz faced Sammartino in an exciting match.  Bruno was the fan favorite and Thesz, who wrestled as the heel, suffered the wrath of the crowd.  Sammartino would pound Thesz mercilessly throughout the match.  Thesz, the NWA champion would barely retain his title.

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  

Newspaper account of the Lou Thesz vs. Bruno Sammartino NWA World Title match March 14,1963 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario.

"I was there, and the fans booed Thesz that night.

9,000 SEE THESZ RETAIN NWA TITLE   Nine thousand fans thronged into Maple Leaf Gardens last night to see if their hero Bruno Sammartino, the Italian Hercules could capture The National
Wrestling Alliance World Title from Lou Thesz.  And for almost all of 25 minutes and 44 seconds that the bout lasted it
appeared that the popular Bruno was not only gain the title but dismember the champion Lou Thesz in the process.
The bout started as everybody expected-a battle between the scientific Thesz and the muscular Sammartino. That lasted exactly 3 minutes.   A VILLAIN. Thesz apparently realizing that the 15 year spread between he and his much younger opponent, could have a telling effect if the bout went on too long, turned villain. It was unusual and unexpected happening. The champion who has been know for years as one of "the clean men" in the game began clipping on the breaks, throwing illegal elbows, and using the ropes to bolster his holds. Not only that. As the bout progressed and Bruno's superior strength became apparent, the champion ran to the corners to evade the punishing holds,
even begging from a kneeling position at times. EXHAUSTED Finally after repeated headlocks and the occasional bearhug had weakened Thesz, he made a desperation heave while Bruno had Thesz in a tight squeeze.
The thrust threw Bruno backwards and he landed on his head. The champ also ended up on his back, completely exhausted. Neither wrestler moved while referee Tiger Tasker counted. Then just as the count neared the 10 count, Thesz rolled over and laid his arm across Bruno's chest. This according to Tasker, was enough to indicate a pin and he proceeded to count,1-2-3 and that's how Thesz, despite taking a terrific going over retained his title.
Results:
- Lou Thesz defeated Bruno Sammartino with a top spread in 25:44
- Bulldog Brower and Johnny Valentine defeated John Paul Henning and Mike
Valentino, when Valentine used a brainbuster and a bodypress to pin Mike
Valentino in 12:35
-Gene Kiniski used a kneedrop and a backbreaker to pin Stan Stasiak in 11:14
- The Beast was award the decision over popular Billy Red Lyon's when
Lyon's was counted out at 11:14
- Han's Schmidt and Gentleman Jim Hady wrestled to a 15 minute draw
-Taro Sakuro and Ilio Dipaolo wrestled to a 15 minute draw in the opener.

from Terry Dart over at wrestling legends"

 

Original on-site poster from the Exposition Hall in Portland, Maine - October 25, 1966.  Rare solo match for the world championship against a big man who could really wrestle; Dr. Bill Miller.    The Wrestling Vet!     $150.00

             NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from the Expo Building in Portland, Maine - July 11, 1967.  The salt-throwing, oriental heel Prof. Toro Tanaka challenges "The Italian Superman" for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship.  Also, a rare early WWWF appearance for Ox Baker in his early face role as The Arkansas Ox against "Crazy Luke" Graham.  Cardboard, in beautiful condition, all it needs is a nice frame for a great display piece.    No Longer Available.

 

 

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from Exposition Hall in Portland, Maine - January 24, 1967.  Bruno vs "Crazy Luke" Graham.  Plus "TNT" Tank Morgan vs. "Bruno's Cousin" Antonio Pugliese and The Fabulous Moolah!.   No Longer Available

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA - December 16, 1967.  Bruno loses to the European Champion, Hans "The Great" Mortier via DQ setting up a Texas Death Match 3 weeks later.     

No Longer Available.

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey - June 12, 1967. Beautiful condition, cardboard, measures 26" long x 17" high.  Great vintage Bruno!

     NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey - June 12, 1967.    As above, but this one has been graciously autographed by Bruno in bold, blue sharpie.    It's for sale at $325.        NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

Bruno Sammartino vs. Dr. Bill Miller - 1965

Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh - June 4, 1965.     

   It's for sale at $275.         NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA - July 22, 1967.     

No Longer Available.

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA - May 13, 1967.     

No Longer Available.

 

 

 

 

Buddy ROGERS vs. Bruno SAMMARTINO - WOW!

This is the original on-site poster from the Island Garden in West Hempstead. A young Bruno takes on the champ, the great Buddy Rogers. Held on January 12, 1962.  Great head-to-toe pic of Rogers with the coveted title belt!   MAKE AN OFFER!   

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

Another early one from Island Garden, featuring Bruno Sammartino teaming with the late Billy Darnell against the formidable team of Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy.  Great pic of Skull Murphy! 

It's for sale at $175.       NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh -September 8, 1967.  Great head-to-toe image of Bruno wearing the old WWWF Heavyweight Championship belt.  Bruno vs. the late great "Crazy" Luke Graham and Chief White Owl vs. the evil Jap Prof. Tora Tanaka.  Plus...George Steele vs. Spyros Arion and Gorilla Monsoon at his best as a heel vs. Tony Marino in a rare appearance as The Battman.  Cardboard, 14 x 22 inches, ex condition with horizontal center fold crease, displays beautifully.  It's for sale at $275. 

                    No Longer Available.

 

 

 

RARE! Original on-site poster from Brookfield Ohio.  Features Bruno teaming with his buddy, the very likable Domenic DeNucci against arch foes George Steele and Baron Mikel Scicluna.  Also The Mongols vs. Victor Rivera & Johnny DeFazio.  Cardbard, 14 x 22 inches, outstanding near mint condition.    No Longer Available. 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA - February 22, 1969.  Bruno teams with Victor Rivera to take on the super heel duo of Killer Kowalski and Gorilla Monsoon.  Also midgets and girls!  Large size 22 inches x 29 inches.  Beautiful display piece.   Great for your bar or restaurant. 

No Longer Available.

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Arena, Market St. Phila. PA - September 16, 1967.  Bruno & Carpentier lose via DQ when Arion comes to the rescue.  Historic piece as  Monsoon pins Bruno cleanly at 11:12 for the 2nd fall.     

 

No Longer Available.

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey - April 24, 1967.     No Longer Available! 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jerry Graham vs. Bruno Sammartino

Original on-site poster from the Newark Labor Lyceum, New Jersey - March 26, 1960.  Fantastic piece of wrestling history featuring the one and only "The Good Doctor", Dr. Jerry Graham vs. young upstart Bruno Sammartino.    Offers Invited.        NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey - June 3, 1968.   Bruno Sammartino teams with Victor Rivera to take on the formidable team of Bull Ramos and Baron Mikel Scicluna.  A terrific, big man, match with Gorilla Monsoon vs. George "CryBaby" Cannon.  Also, Hans "The Great" Mortier meets "The Flying Frenchman" Eduardo Carpentier plus Lou Albano vs Manuel Soto (my favorite jobber!) and Tony Altimore vs Earl "Mr Universe" Maynard.  Cardboard, beautiful condition with some staple holes and a small light corner crease.  Outstanding photos of both Sammartino & Carpentier.  Great display piece!  A must for your bar or restaurant.      No Longer Available!

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from Moose Hall in Trenton, New Jersey - November 13, 196? Graciously autographed by Bruno in bold, blue sharpie.      It's for sale at $250.

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  

 

 

 

Bruno Sammartino vs. Killer Kowalski - 1964

Original on-site poster from the N. Y. Coliseum, New York City - January 7, 1964.               No Longer Available!  

 

 

 

 

 

Bruno Sammartino vs. Dr. Bill Miller - 1965

Original on-site poster from the Baltimore Civic Center featuring Bruno squaring off against Dr. "Big" Bill Miller.  Outstanding undercard!  Beautiful condition, with brilliant color.  It's for sale at $350. 

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

 

 

  Bruno Sammartino at MSG - 1960

Original on-site extremely rare poster from Madison Square Garden, NYC - October 1, 1960.                     No Longer Available!

 

 

 

Bruno Sammartino vs. The Crusher

Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA- October 18, 1963.  Bruno gets a dramatic submission win over The Crusher via his infamous backbreaker in 20:12.  Extremely Rare bout vs. "Da Crusha".    MAKE ME AN OFFER I CAN'T REFUSE!

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original on-site poster from The Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA -January 31, 1964.  After winning one fall each; Bruno & Monsoon both juice and the match is halted!        OFFERS ACCEPTED ON THIS RARITY!

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buddy ROGERS vs. Bruno SAMMARTINO - NWA WORLD TITLE

This is the original on-site poster from the Maple Leaf Gardens World Title bout with the great Buddy "nature boy" Rogers, held on July 12, 1962.  Bruno arrived in Toronto early in his career.  After his debut at Maple Leaf Gardens in March 1962, he became a big fan favorite and quickly earned a shot at Buddy Rogers for the NWA World Title on July 12, 1962. 

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  

"Rogers Recovers-Just In Time"
Over 10,000 fans roared, cheered and jeered, and had themselves a ball as promoter Frank Tunney ended his mid-summer pro wrestling season last night at Maple Leaf Gardens with an outstanding card. World champion (NWA) Buddy Rogers recovers from the blind staggers in time to beat the ten count after he and the challenging Bruno Sammartino knocked each other out when they crashed head on. To the delight of the Italian fans, Bruno gave The Champ a rough time with his reverse headlock and body-slams. Bruno matched Rogers' recoveries with several nifty movements of his own. The Champ's ability to take it and come back, plus his experience, made the difference.     -credit to Gary Will and Maple Leaf Wrestling!

   

 

 

If anyone has any vintage Bruno Sammartino memorabilia they would like to sell or trade, please e-mail me.  Thanks!  Johnny Griffin 

 

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN [III] (1925 - 1968)

Below is the original poster featuring Bruno Sammartino's first appearance at Madison Square Garden, January 2, 1960.  Bruno wrestled Bull Curry who subbed for Killer Kowalski.  The main go that evening was Antonino Rocca vs. The Mighty Zuma.  Great pic of Zuma wearing the historic Jack Pfefer championship belt.  

Vintage MSG wrestling posters are extremely rare and this one could very well be one-of-a-kind as I've never seen another.  Cardboard, 22" x 28" , ex cond, w/ water staining, light center vertical crease.   Serious inquiries invited.

 

 

 

Here is Bruno's 2nd appearance at MSG!

Sorry, NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

This time he tangled with Irishman Skull Murphy.  Rocca had a return match with The Mighty Zuma. 

Again, I've never seen another one.

 

 

 

VINTAGE ORIGINAL ON-SITE WRESTLING FLYERS FROM THE ARENA IN PHILLY

 

 October 7, 1967 - Bruno's team loses to formidable foes; Monsoon, Tanaka & Mortier!

 

November 25, 1967 - Bruno Defeats Tanaka in 17:31 before 6,752 screaming fans. No Longer Available

 

December 16, 1967 - Bruno gets DQ'd against Hans "THE GREAT" Mortier in the Santa Claus card at the Arena  (also see the on-site event poster above).

 

January 6, 1968 - Nothing like a return Texas Death Match - to a positive finish - to settle the score!  Bruno crushes the European Champion and gets revenge for WWII.

 

February 17, 1968 - Bruno & Domenic lose to the Japanese Champion & a 325 lb. Apache. 

 

March 9, 1968 - Bruno & DeNucci return three weeks later and get the win via DQ.

 

March 23, 1968 - Bruno destroys the Apache in 3:02 before 6,427 fans who wanted to see a longer match.  I think Bruno had to catch a flight to Toronto for bout with Tanaka! 

 

 

April 6, 1968 - Bruno loses to The 300 lb. Kentucky Butcher (John Quinn), as he is counted outside of the ring.

   

April 27, 1968 - Bruno demands a Texas Death Match...and gets it!  He beats the living crap outta The Butcher in 13:42 in front of 6,712 roaring fans. 

 

May 18, 1968 - Bruno & Puerto Rican idol Victor Rivera battle to a 1 hour time limit draw with the Kentucky strongman & the Manchurian giant.

 

 

 

 

 

June 8, 1968 - In a no time limit return bout, Bruno & Rivera defeat The Butcher & The Baker...er Monsoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 29, 1968 - Bruno always had great matches against Monsoon. This one was no different as Bruno wins via count out. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept. 7, 1968 - Bruno, recently returned from Japan faces The Detroit Dandy, George "The Animal" Steele.  Bruno beats Steele in 16:51 before 7, 000 fans. George is COR'd.

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 5, 1968 - In a Texas Death match, with Tony Galento as ref, Bruno defeats George in 17:27.  A positive finish!!  No Longer Available

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 19, 1968 - 2 days before Bruno meets The Sheik at MSG, Bob Orton Sr., gets himself DQ'd at 10:33.

 

 

 

 

 

Nov. 2, 1968 - the All-Asiatic Champion teams with the Nevada Cowboy and they draw with Bruno & Victor Rivera.

 

 

 

 

 

Nov. 16, 1968 - Two days before meeting The Sheik again at MSG, Bruno's team beats the bad guys with the aid of 3 refs., 3 falls and 2 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Nov, 30, 1968 - The fan's never tire of a good thing as Bruno & Monsoon tie up again.  Monsoon wins as Bruno is COR'd.

 

 

 

 

 

December 14, 1968 - Return match!  This time Bruno wins as Monsoon can't beat the 20 count back into the ring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 25, 1969 - Bruno & The Wild Man from Syria need a steel cage and two refs to settle this war!  Bruno goes apes*&@ on The Sheik and exits the cage first to win at 6:16 in front of 7,921 blood thirsty fans.  No Longer Available

 

February 8, 1969 - Bruno & Calhoun lose via DQ to Monsoon & Kowalski.  Bruno loses his cool after Calhoun is brutally double teamed.

 

 

 

 

 

April 5, 1969 - Bruno can't beat the count back into the ring and Tanaka gets the victory.

 

 

 

 

 

April 19, 1969 - The Tanaka re-match!! Haystacks Calhoun is the special ref as Bruno wins it at 16:15.

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 19, 1969 - Bulldog Brower, the one man riot squad, heads to the Arena but Bruno dominates the bulging eyed Brower.

 

 

 

 

 

September 20, 1969 - Bruno & Rivera win before 5,321.  The real story here is Gorilla Monsoon's face turn. Two nights before on TV, Monsoon assisted Bruno who was attacked in the ring by Waldo Von Erich. 

 

 

 

 

 

October 11, 1969 - Bruno & Rivera go to the 11 PM curfew with the salt throwing Japs.   Note the rarely encountered heel grudge match!

 

 

 

 

 

January 10, 1970 - Bruno teams with former nemesis and now villain turned good guy, Gorilla Monsoon and draws with Ernie Ladd & Waldo Von Erich.

 

 

 

 

 

February 7, 1970 - Bruno draws with Ivan Koloff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 21, 1970 - Bruno gets COR'd - Koloff wins!

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 7, 1970 - Bruno over Koloff - Russian Death Match!                                                                      No Longer Available!                                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2, 1970 - Bruno & Krippler Karl Kovacs - DDQ!!

 

June 27, 1970 - Bruno beats George via COR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 25, 1970 - Bruno beats George in the steel cage!   No longer available!

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 22, 1970 - Bruno vs. the Massive Crusher Verdue.    Bruno has a rare call out due to sickness and sends in his buddy Chief Jay Strongbow to battle the giant from Spain.  ==  Thanks Barry!       No longer available!

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 16, 1971 - In his final match prior to dropping the belt to Koloff at MSG, Bruno works to a draw with Bulldog Brower.  Note: Pedro's appearance vs. The Black Demon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     More to come!