CRAIG, FRANK "HARLEM COFFEE COOLER" ADVERTISING SILK (1890'S)

Frank Craig was a late 19th, early 20th century African American prize fighter born in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 1868. He fought professionally as a middleweight under the nickname, "Harlem Coffee Cooler." His first professional fight was on April 7, 1891, a victory over Seaman Fisher. On February 20, 1894 in Philadelphia he won the "Colored" Middleweight Title with a victory over Joe Butler. On October 8, 1894 he defeated John O'brien in London in a fight billed for the middleweight title. He stopped Ted Pritchard on December 17, 1894 in London in another fight billed for the middleweight title. His next fight on March 11, 1895 he was stopped by Frank Slavin. In his career he fought many greats including Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, Tommy Ryan, Dan Creedon and Jem Roche. He retired after losing to Jim Rideout on August 5, 1922 with a final mark of 68-36-9. Craig passed away on January 1, 1943. Offered here is an exceptionally rare advertising of Frank Craig from the 1890's listing him as the British champion. Done at the height of his career.
This beautiful advertising silk (made of silk fabric) lists Craig's name, weight, title and nickname. It also includes his colors in the four corners. Has the original folds. Bold color with no color run. Clean front and back. Virtually no fading. No rips or tears. 36" x 36." Very rare, the only example we have seen.