JEFFRIES, JAMES J. SASH BELT (1890'S)

He was known for his enormous strength and stamina. Using a technique taught to him by his trainer, former Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Tommy Ryan, Jeffries fought out of a crouch with his left arm extended forward. He was able to absorb tremendous punishment while wearing his opponents down.

Jeffries stood 6 ft (1.83 m) tall and weighed 225 pounds (102 kg) in his prime. He could run 100 yards (91 m) in just over ten seconds, and could high jump over 6 feet (180 cm). A natural left-hander, he possessed one-punch knockout power in his left hook, and brawled his way to the top of the rankings.

Writer Jack London coined the phrase "Great White Hope" to describe Jeffries in his attempt to win the heavyweight crown from African-American champion boxer Jack Johnson in 1910. Jeffries came out of retirement for the fight, urged on by London and many others who wished to see a white man once again reign as heavyweight champion. Jeffries was beaten soundly by Johnson in what was the first prizefight to be billed as the Fight of the Century.

Offered here is a rare 1890's sash belt worn by James J. Jeffries. The belt can be dated to 1898 when Jeffries fought Peter Jackson. I picture of Jeffries wearing the belt is in the March 21, 1898 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle. Jeffries is also pictured on the front page of the May 12, 1900 issue of the San Francisco Call. There is also a picture of Jeffries wearing the belt in a cabinet card photo by Baker Art Gallery. The newspapers are included.

Bill Schutte is one of the most respected historians of late 19th century and early 20th century boxing and was selected to liquidate the James J. Jeffries memorabilia following his death. Schutte recalled that Jeffries gave this belt to a friend Bill Schroeder. Schroeder had the belt displayed at the Helms Athletic Hall Of Fame which was later taken over by Citizens Savings Bank. This display was near the Los Angeles Airport. The belt was later sold. Mr. Schutte's email correspondence to the current owner is included.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a rare 1890's sash belt which was presented to and worn by James J. Jeffries. This cloth belt is red, white and blue with leather straps at each end. I has a total of 35 stars with a number now missing. The belt is 35" long and 4" high. Slight amount of bleeding to the red stripes. One leather strap is broken. Mild fraying to the fabric. The design and alignment of the stripes and stars is photomatched to at least three images of Jeffries wearing the belt.

One of the very few surviving belts of any fighter dating to the 19th century.