1839 James "Deaf" Burke original hand colored engraving
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£325.00
£325.00
per item
A very rare and original, 1839 Large Folio, Hand Colored Aquatint Engraving of the English bare-knuckle boxer "Deaf" Burke. The engraving measures approx. 21 1/2” by 26” in total size. It has previously been matted with the current area of the engraving visible about 15 1/2" by 19". The matting is only attached along the top edge and could be easily removed if necessary. The engraving itself is in very good condition. There are a few small ripples and two light horizontal creases. Some age toning to the back of the piece. Very well preserved for its age.
Bio: James "Deaf" Burke (8 December 1809 – 8 January 1845) was one of England's earliest boxing champions. He measured 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 14 stone 4 pounds - a large man by 19th Century standards. On 30 May 1833, in a particularly brutal fight for the English heavyweight championship that lasted more than 3 hours, Burke defeated Simon Byrne, the Irish champion. Byrne died three days later from his injuries. Burke was promptly arrested and tried for Byrne's murder, but was acquitted on 11 July 1833 and subsequently freed. Following Byrne's death, Burke found it impossible to obtain opponents in Britain. He went to the United States and fought the new Irish champion Sam O'Rourke in New Orleans on May 6, 1837. Burke won his final fight against Bob Castles in the 37th round on 13 June 1843. At age 35 and in extreme poverty, Burke died of tuberculosis at home on 8 January 1845 in Frances Street, Waterloo, London.
Bio: James "Deaf" Burke (8 December 1809 – 8 January 1845) was one of England's earliest boxing champions. He measured 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 14 stone 4 pounds - a large man by 19th Century standards. On 30 May 1833, in a particularly brutal fight for the English heavyweight championship that lasted more than 3 hours, Burke defeated Simon Byrne, the Irish champion. Byrne died three days later from his injuries. Burke was promptly arrested and tried for Byrne's murder, but was acquitted on 11 July 1833 and subsequently freed. Following Byrne's death, Burke found it impossible to obtain opponents in Britain. He went to the United States and fought the new Irish champion Sam O'Rourke in New Orleans on May 6, 1837. Burke won his final fight against Bob Castles in the 37th round on 13 June 1843. At age 35 and in extreme poverty, Burke died of tuberculosis at home on 8 January 1845 in Frances Street, Waterloo, London.
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