JACKSON, PETER SOUVENIR PIN (1890'S)

History: Peter "Black Prince" Jackson (23 September 1860 – 13 July 1901) was a heavyweight boxer from Australia who had a significant international career. Jackson won the Australian heavyweight title in 1886 with a knockout of Tom Lees in the 30th round, and the British Commonwealth title against Jem Smith by KO in the second round. In 1888 he beat "Old Chocolate" Godfrey to gain the world 'colored' heavyweight championship. On 21 May 1891, in Benicia, California Jackson fought the future world champion James Corbett because the reigning title-holder, John L. Sullivan, would not fight him because he was black. The match with Corbett went 61 rounds before it was declared no contest, as both boxers were too exhausted to continue. In 1898 he lost a bout to the powerfully built James J. Jeffries, another great boxer who would hold the championship of the world in the early 1900's. Jackson's health began to fail towards the end of his career, hampering his performances in the ring. He had been at one stage a pupil of "The Black Diamond" Jack Dowridge, a Barbadian Immigrant who pioneered boxing in Queensland, Australia. Among Dowridge's other pupils was "Gentleman Jack" John Reid McGowan, a fellow Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee. Jackson died of tuberculosis in Roma, Queensland and was buried at Toowong Cemetery. A short time after becoming the first black heavyweight champion of the world in 1908, "The Galveston Giant" Jack Johnson, made a pilgrimage to Jackson's grave, a measure of the respect in which the man was held not only in Queensland, but in the boxing community worldwide. Jackson's tomb is emblazoned with the words "This was a man". Offered here is an original souvenir pin which pictures Peter Jackson.

Full description: 1.25” button. Top curl carries issuer’s name “High Admiral Cigarette” and below is the slogan “Don’t Bother Me.” In the Paul Muchinsky “Boxing Pin-Back Buttons” book as #14 and he notes that John L. Sullivan refused to fight Jackson ostensibly because of Jackson’s race. Because of his race, Jackson was never allowed to fight for a world championship title. The button’s caption likely refers to Jackson’s exclusion from participating in the quest for the title. Pin firmly attached to back. Bold print and clear image. Minor foxing. No dents. Minor rust on back.