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November 2007 Catalog  >  Sports  >  Boxing

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Lot 437: 1910 Jack Johnson vs. James Jeffries Stone Litho Fight Poster

ITEM DESCRIPTION

 
Reserve: $5,000.00
Winning Bid: $17,261.34
Price Realized: $20,627.30
Auction Date:11/30/2007 9:00 PM EST

On July 4, 1910 in Reno, Nevada Jack Johnson defended his World Heavyweight Title against former champion James J. Jeffries. This was unquestionably one of the biggest fights of the 20th century. Jeffries had been convinced by friends and admirers to come out of an almost five year retirement to attempt to end the reign of the first African-American to win the coveted crown. It was not to be. Johnson toyed with Jeffries before stopping him for good in the 15th round. Presented here is an extremely rare advertising poster for the viewing of the fight film of the Johnson-Jeffries fight. The poster is German and pictures Jack Johnson in full fight pose. A stone lithograph significant not only for the importance of the fight, but also for the significance of the fight film. Following this fight there were racial incidents across the United States which caused the government to place a ban on the viewing of the fight film here. This lithograph has had some very minor restoration. The original folds of the paper are still evident. The color is bold and vivid. A rare one sheet (approximately 26” x 42”) possibly unique.

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