JOHNSON, JACK EXCELSIOR AUTO-CYLE POSTER (1912-AS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION)

Jack Johnson, the first African-American to win the World Heavyweight Title accomplished that feat defeating Tommy Burns in Australia on December 26, 1908. Later defeated Stanley Ketchel and former champion James Jeffries. Offered here is an original poster put out by Excelsior Motor Mfg. & Supply Company of Chicago in 1912 which features Jack Johnson in a racist taunt. Johnson is pictured as a menacing figure being stopped by a cop on an auto-cycle. Entitled "STOP! OR THERE'LL BE NO NEED OF A WHITE MAN'S HOPE!" Officer Weber is pictured stopping Johnson in his big Lozier to arrest him for speeding.
This exceedingly rare advertising poster is printed on heavy stock paper. Dated March 28, 1912 when Johnson was world heavyweight champion. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Minor soiling along right border. No tack holes. Minor tear on right border with no paper loss. Minor edge and corner wear. Blank backed. Slightly irregularly shaped to 11" x 15." Exceedingly rare, the only example we have seen.