SMITH, AL INK SIGNATURE (MANAGER OF JOHN L. SULLIVAN)

John L. Sullivan was born on October 15, 1858 in Roxbury, Boston, MA. He is the link between bare knuckles and glove fighting and is considered to be one of the best heavyweights ever. He held the undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Championship for ten years, winning it in 1882 from Paddy Ryan and losing it in 1892 to James J. Corbett. Other notable fighters he fought and defeated included Jake Kilrain, Charlie Mitchell and Dominic McCaffrey. Presented here is an original ink signature of Al Smith, manager of John L. Sullivan. From the collection of Bill Schutte with his notation on the reverse.
This is an original fountain pen signature, "Your friend Al Smith." Signed on paper. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Bold ink signature. Notation on back in hand of historian Bill Schutte, "Manager of John L. Sullivan." 1 1/2" x 4." Extremely rare, the only example we have had.