(LOT 217)
c.1905 Jack Johnson Signed Imperial Cabinet Card by Chickering Cabinet – Measures Approx. 11" x 14" – PSA/DNA LOA
THE GALVESTON GIANT!!! Long before the likes of Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali dominated the heavyweight boxing circuit, there was the immortal Jack Johnson, who became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion when he defeated Tommy Byrnes in Sydney, Australia on December 26, 1908. Incredibly, the Galveston Giant (his iconic nickname) would hold that title for nearly seven consecutive years, finally being beaten by Jess Willard on April 5, 1915, when he was knocked out in the 26th round of a scheduled 45-round bout. Noted by many historians as being the most renowned and notorious boxer on earth for more than 13 years, his magnificent legacy is synonymous with that of the great Jackie Robinson, with both of these legendary figures transcending their sports to a level that became part of the culture and history of cruel and unjust racism in America.

In fact, after Johnson defeated the aforementioned Canadian-born Byrnes in 1908 as well as white boxing sensation James Jeffries in 1910, it sparked a myriad of race riots across the country. Indeed, it can safely be said that Johnson was the Jackie Robinson of boxing, justifying why his cardboard collectibles are highly sought-after within the collecting community. That said, Memory Lane is proud to present one of the most extraordinary Jack Johnson keepsakes on the planet, a remarkable circa 1905 imperial cabinet by the Boston based Elmer Chickering studio that is actually signed by the boxing legend across the large lower border. Measuring approximately 11" x 14" with an image that is 6-1/2" x 9", Johnson reveals himself in dapper formal attire, with his bowler hat truly adding an imposing charm to this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Most significantly, the eloquent and flowing Jack Johnson signature has been scripted in black fountain pen, with the former world heavyweight champion adding the following salutation: "To Jimmy Winston – With Best Wishes". Presenting itself in 8/9 strength and authenticated by the prestigious PSA experts (PSA/DNA LOA included), autograph enthusiasts are well aware that locating any Jack Johnson autograph is similar to finding a needle in a haystack, let alone one that is affixed to a unique cabinet of the regal boxing legend. One of the toughest boxing autographs extant, Johnson signatures rarely surface for the taking, and the dynamic duo of both his elusive autograph and a possible unique Jack Johnson cabinet merit the highest hobby accolades. Breathtaking, to say the least, its spellbinding aesthetics are the result of the image's crystal-clear clarity and virtually perfect resolution.

A negligible pinhole (somewhat restored) near the central upper edge, typical border toning and corner wear do not compromise the overall integrity of this timeless memento that most likely portrays Johnson at the tender age of 25 (Johnson was born on March 31, 1878). For full disclosure, there is slight restoration to a few pinholes and the bottom left border, with the blank flipside including some areas of paper loss as well as a number of stray black and blue pencil notations. Of utmost importance, this miraculous offering extends far beyond the collecting foray, for its resounding image and signature of the Galveston Giant serves as a sheer reminder of Johnson's impervious bravery that ultimately supported the justified notion that all men are created equal, and his immortal stature is a sheer testament to the unequivocal foundation America was soundly built upon!

MIN BID $4,000
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