Commemorative
Object number2020.32.2
Datec. 1950
MediumWood; Varnish; Leather; Metal; Ink
Credit LineGift of Gus J. Brickner
DescriptionCommemorative wooden plaque with a pair of moccasins mounted above a metal inscription plate. Rectangular light brown wooden plaque is varnished and has a metal eyebolt on top edge at center; reverse has vertical grooves in the wood along the left and right margins. Brown leather moccasins are affixed to the plaque with nails; moccasins have been treated with an unknown varnish or sealant. Below moccasins is octagonal white metal plate mounted with one screw on both short ends.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 18.625 x 11.125 x 3.5 in. (47.3 x 28.3 x 8.9 cm)InscriptionsPlate mounted at bottom center of plaque has handwritten text in blue-black ink "These moccasin's [sic] were worn by Gus Brickner Charleroi, Pennsylvania. / Icy water swimming champion of the world. "In Guinness Book." / During the years of his ice water swim exhibitions and long / distance swims from 1950 to 1976 in many parts of the / world such as the United States of America, / France, Germany, England, Belgium, and Canada. / These Moccasin's [sic] were used for 26 years."
Historical NotesGustave "Gus" Brickner was a swimmer from Charleroi, Pennsylvania. His nickname was "The Human Polar Bear."
Previous owner
Gustave Brickner
(1912 - 1991)
On View
Not on view
c. 1950
1970-2000
c. 1888
