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Reno,NV - Washoe County - 1910 - Jack Johnson Drinking "James E. Pepper Whiskey" (Photograph) :

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images Start Price:375.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Reno,NV - Washoe County - 1910 - Jack Johnson Drinking  James E. Pepper Whiskey  (Photograph) :
This 1910 photograph highlights former heavyweight world champion boxer Jack Johnson drinking James E Pepper brand whiskey the day before his infamous boxing match with James “Jim” Jeffries. Johnson is the well dressed African-American man sitting to the viewer’s right, hoisting a shot of whiskey and smiling at the camera. Johnson was as famous for his fast paced, lavish lifestyle as he was for his dominant boxing abilities. He was frequently featured in the media and later on the radio, in films, while endorsing a variety of products. A "James E. Pepper Whisky, Born With The Republic" poster is prominently displayed over the heads of the gentlemen in the photograph, a result of the whisky being one of the primary sponsors of the Fight of the Century. In addition to Johnson, there are twenty-one other men in the photograph, three of which are difficult to spot because of their positions in the crowd. Aside from Johnson there are three other African American men in the photo, two standing on the far left and one standing behind Johnson holding a shot glass in one hand and a cigar in the other. Johnson won the July 4th bout in Reno, Nevada, in front of a crowd of some 20,000 spectators. Johnson was awarded a $65,000 purse for his victory. Johnson had already accumulated a large sum of wealth from previous fights, apparent in his wardrobe. In this photo he sports a custom tailored pin stripe suit. This photo measures 16 x 11” and is mounted on faded black cardstock. There is a caption in the card stock that reads “Johnson drinking James E. Pepper, Sunday, July 3, 1910, before the Championship of the World Battle.” Both the photo and the original dark cardstock are mounted on top of an additional lighter colored card stock backing in a black frame with several areas where the paint has been worn off. Both bottom corners have been removed, making them appear diagonal rather than meeting at right angles. "St. Louis Picture Frame, 4115 Manchester, St. Louis, MO., 63110. OL 2-3795," printed near the bottom on the reverse. This photo has incredible detail, with the facial expressions and features of clothing of the subjects and surrounding objects clearly visible. Very Rare.