JOHNSON, JACK SOUVENIR PIN (CIRCA 1910)

HISTORY: On July 4, 1910 Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavyweight title against Jim Jeffries, the former champion. Jeffries had retired undefeated champion after his last fight in 1904. Encouraged greatly by a racist public eager to get rid of Jack Johnson, Jeffries agreed to fight Johnson, but age and an almost six year lay-off, coupled with Johnson's great skill and youth proved to be too much. Jeffries was easily defeated in a one sided match. Offered here is an original pinback of Jack Johnson which was made as a souvenir for this fight.

FULL DESCRIPTION: 1.5" diameter with back paper of rarely seen maker "U.S. Button & Novelty Co./319/E. 11th/K.C. MO." Pin is present and firmly attached to the reverse. Some very tiny and very faint gray age dots on the background. Full gloss. VF. Bold, clear image. Rare, the only example we have seen. Paul Muchinsky Collection Book Example.