Hans Schnabel

[moe]

Hello, I am trying to research my Dads wrestling history, wrestler Hans Schnabel. If anyone has any old photos ect. and would like to share them, please let me know. Thanks for the time.
Moe

[Rich Tate]

Thanks for inquiring, and although I do not have much to offer, I hope what I do have helps.

All I have in the way of photos are here and here. If you have anymore you can provide me, and additional basis biographical info, please email me at [e-mail]. It would be greatly appreciated.

Our extensive research has only turned up a few references with him appearing in Georgia, as follows:

April 2, 1940 (Tuesday) – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Theatre (Bill Hartman and Thad Holt – Promoters / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Gordon McKenzie and Marvin Jones went to a draw > Hans Schnabel over Tiny Morgan > Everett Marshall over Bill Bartush

April 9, 1940 (Tuesday) – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Theatre (Bill Hartman and Thad Holt – Promoters / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Bill Lee versus Juan Humberto > John Grandovich versus Lou Nyman > Lou Thesz and Hans Schnabel went to a draw at 90:00

April 16, 1940 (Tuesday) – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Theatre (Bill Hartman and Thad Holt – Promoters / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Tiny Morgan over John Grandovich > Marvin Jones over Juan Humberto by disqualification > NWA World Heavyweight Title Match: Ray Steele* over Hans Schnabel to retain the title / Notes: Steele had been the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion since he went over Bronko Nagurski in St. Louis, MO, on March 7, 1940. This version was the one recognized by the National Boxing Association as the National Wrestling Association.

April 30, 1940 (Tuesday) – Atlanta, GA – Ponce DeLeon Ballpark (Bill Hartman and Thad Holt – Promoters / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Don McIntyre versus Hans Schnabel > Pete Managoff versus Tom Hanley > Dorv Roche versus Cowboy Luttrall / Notes: This card was cancelled because of rain.

May 21, 1940 (Tuesday) – Atlanta, GA – Ponce DeLeon Ballpark (Bill Hartman and Thad Holt – Promoters / Georgia Championship Wrestling) > Marvin Jones over Gordon McKenzie > Tom Hanley over Pat Fraley > Herb Freeman & Cowboy Luttrall over Angelo Cistoldi & Hans Schnabel / Notes: Fraley replaced Schnabel in the match against Hanley, as Schnabel substituted for Babe Zaharias to team with Cistoldi in the match against Freeman and Luttrall.

For anyone else reading, you’ll be interested to know Schnabel appeared in the Veils of Bagdad in 1953, along with other wrestlers Vic Holbrook, Chester Hayes, and Tom Renesto. The star of the film were Victor Mature., and James Arness (a/k/a Gunsmoke’s Marshall Matt Dillon) also appeared. I remember seeing this when I was younger and enjoying it, although I couldn’t tell you a thing about it today, or whether it stood the test of time.

[moe]

Rich ,
Here is my Dad's (wrestler Hans Schnabel) wrestling history in a nut shell. His name was Herbert Moeller and was born in New York City in 1908. He was the son of immigrant parents who arrived in New York City (Ellis Island) from Germany in 1906. They brought their two sons Fritz and Otto with them. Shortly after my dad was born, his mother died due to the flu epidemic which struck NYC in 1910. Soon after, they moved to Conn. At age 8, he was stricken with Polio which effected both legs. It was a long recovery. His brothers would pull him in a cart for the first two yrs afterwards. During his recovery he slowly began to walk, but he was left with a club foot. He finally recovery from Polio and his right leg returned to a normal position (but he was always had concerns for his legs, that is the reason he always wore long sweats). As a teen he worked in a spring factory. Fritz and my Dad embarked on careers as mechanics. They opened a garage in Conn. and where successful, but my Father was interested wrestling and seeing the country. Professional wrestling started spreading through NY and Conn. Both Fritz and my Dad had the opportunity earning money in wrestling matches. They both decided to leave the mechanic shop for the more lucrative wrestling life. They decided to honor the mother and use her maiden name Schnabel. My dad used his nick-name Hans. He had a strong desire to become a great professional wrestler. Together or individually, The Schnabel Brothers moved through the professional wrestling world. during the early 30's they worked for promoter Jack Pfeiffer. Early on, they wrestled mainly on the west coast and Ohio. In 1936(I think) Hans had a shot at the Heavyweight Championship. He was signed for the title match, but shortly before the match Dave Levin took his place and won the Title on a disqualification. Later that yr, Fritz and Hans left for South Africa. Fritz and Father continued wrestling through out the U.S. and they were joined by there older brother Otto. A partner of Otto's was a man from Denver, who wrestled under the name of George Schnabel, but he was no relationship. I believe in 1948, Hans and Fritz worked for promoter Fred Kohler and mainly wrestled on the west coast and in Chicago. 1949, Fritz then 45 yrs old didn’t have the desire my Dad did, so new partnerships were drawn up. In the early 50's he teamed up with his long time friend Lou Newman. They wrestled as the Iron Russians. He also worked with George Bollas (The Zebra Kid). The last match I have found was in May 1960. “Hans Schnabel” was now 52. His wrestling career spanned 26 yrs. He wrestled all across the United States, Hawaii, South Africa and Japan. He entered into the professional wrestling title record books several times through out his career. Growing up at our house, I meat many of his friends, Pat Farley, Lee Gable, George Wagner, Woody Strode and Pappy Boyington.

[moe]

On you tube, there is a Hans Schnabel vs Baron Leone.
Baron Michele Leone vs Hans Schnabel 1 (7:52)
Baron Michele Leone vs Hans Schnabel 2 (8:38)
Baron Michele Leone vs Hans Schnabel 3 (7:25)
Playlist 18 videos (play all) Petr441 play all

[Rich Tate]

Great stuff, More. Thanks!

I am forwarding you an email from a photo collector who saw your post. He attached a couple of photos for you, and is also going to look deeper to see if he has more to provide you.

[moe]

Thanks for the help. I am trying to find a Gorgeous George match with Hans Schnabel on TV films from Chicago. Does anyone know where to start looking? Thanks again.