LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Signature Sports Auction #705  / 

19254

1910 Johnson vs. Jeffries "Dana" Postcards (100+)

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
1910 Johnson vs. Jeffries Dana Postcards (100+)
<B>1910 Jack Johnson vs. Jim Jeffries "Dana" Postcards Lot of 118.</B></I> Simply the most complete and incredible collection of Dana postcards from this most historic of Heavyweight Championship bouts ever to reach the auction block. Text and a selection of images couldn't possibly convey the magnitude and splendor of this collection that will serve as the best visual record of the Reno, Nevada event until somebody invents a time machine. The collection begins with fine portraits of the two battlers, then continues on to images of each sparring, President Teddy Roosevelt enjoying pre-fight festivities, and the legions of spectators packing themselves into the wooden arena. Several images of the announcements before the fight begins feature John L. Sullivan and Tex Rickard. Then we come to images of Johnson and Jeffries entering the ring. Various shots finds a smiling Johnson in his corner before the opening bell, and a determined Jeffries on his stool. Then the bell rings and we come to forty-five action shots detailing the bout round by round, beginning with the opening parries and ending with Jeffries on the canvas and Johnson standing above him. Images of Johnson being declared Champ and Johnson's white wife cheering for him, the only joyous spectator, close out the remarkable collection.<BR><BR> While these are sometimes seen in small quantities, rarely more than a dozen, we believe that the presentation at auction of such a comprehensive set is unprecedented. All show the edge and corner wear typical of postcards of this era, and they appear to have all been tacked to a wall at some point in their past. It must be noted, however, that only a small percentage actually bear tack holes--the rest have small rust stains where they were held to the wall by the flat part of the tack, rather than having been punctured by it. Not a single postcard shows wear that proves significantly detrimental to its visual power. Perhaps five duplicates are present, and two portraits of Johnson may not be Dana, but the rest most assuredly are. All have been arranged chronologically by the consignor, allowing us to experience this incredible event in sporting history in a way that few since the 1910 bout have been able to do. Without question, one of the most intriguing boxing lots to be offered in recent history.
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