Luxurious blue hooded cotton robe (weighing nearly five pounds) belonging to Johnny Weissmuller. This robe, which was gifted to Johnny from his wife Maria around 1966, is notable because Weissmuller’s wife adorned the left breast with both Weissmuller’s AAU patch (awarded for one of his 52 National Championships, circa 1922-1928) and his Swimming Hall of Fame patch, which was awarded to him as the initial honoree at the 1966 International Swimming Hall of Fame ceremony in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A “Nordstrom” label appears in the collar. Both this robe and Weissmuller's 1936 social security card (offered as a separate lot in this auction) have been consigned by Weissmuller's biographer, who received the items directly from the Weissmuller family, with whom he enjoyed a close friendship. The robe is complete with its sash and remains in Excellent condition. (Please note: the images of Weissmuller on our website are for illustrative purposes only, the photos are NOT included in the lot.) 

Johnny Weissmuller was the world’s greatest swimmer during his career of 1921-29, and was named ”Greatest Swimmer of the Half-Century” in 1950 by the Associated Press. In 1931 he signed with MGM and became Tarzan of the movies. Johnny and his brother Peter also saved the lived of eleven women and children on July 28, 1927, rescuing these eleven individuals after the “disaster” of the “Favorite,” an excursion boat that overturned during a brief but violent squall near the shores of Lake Michigan

 The details of Johnny’s long career in swimming totaled more than 50 individual world records, and at least 75 American records in distances from 50-yards to 880-yards; this included three world records in the backstroke, which was certainly not his specialty. He also accumulated 52 national championships between 1921 and 1928, including eight in his final year of competition. 

 One of the public’s fascinations with Weissmuller during his swimming career was his incredible unbeaten streak from 1921 until his retirement in 1929. Every time Johnny would race in swim meets across the country, people would grab the sports section to see if he had indeed done it again. And of course, he always won, and remained unbeaten. It was a wonderful saga that lasted for almost eight full years, and it mesmerized the sporting nation. Johnny endured for almost an entire decade — undefeated — as he built a huge worldwide fan following. Everybody loves a winner, especially a humble one. Johnny was the best of both worlds. 

 Johnny took on all challengers in cities across the country, defeating would-be champions in their home pools as easily as in his own home pool at the I.A.C. Even the best in the world bowed to the greatness of Johnny, including Arne Borg, Andrew Charlton, Duke Kahanamoku, Buster Crabbe, and many others who discovered to their admiration and chagrin, that Weissmuller was undefeatable. His five gold medals in the Olympics of 1924 and 1928 speak for themselves, and Johnny could have easily added to this total if he hadn’t unselfishly played on the U.S. water polo team in both years. It had been a great career, and he officially retired in 1929 after his final swim meet on January 3rd held before his home fans at the Illinois Athletic Club.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $31.04 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.