Herbert A. Slade (The Maori) late 19th century lithographic poster
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£1,250.00
£1,250.00
per item
An exceptionally rare late 19th century stone lithographic poster promoting the appearance of heavyweight boxer Herbert Augustus Slade (1851-1913), also known as "Maori" Slade. He was a New Zealand boxer of Irish and Maori descent, who fought many of the leading heavyweights of his era including Joe Coburn, Jem Mace and Charlie Mitchell. He challenged John L. Sullivan for the heavyweight championship of the world at Madison Square Garden, New York, on 6 August 1883. Sullivan won in the third round. Given the issues of race in America at the time it was most unusual for a native person to be allowed to fight for the championship. Indeed, it was the first such match featuring a non-white contender. Slade later went on an exhibition tour with Sullivan and settled in the United States. He died in Utah in 1913. Slade may be considered New Zealand’s first international sports personality, and has been inducted into the Maori Sports Hall of Fame.
The poster hung in Bills Gay Nineties Restaurant - a New York City Landmark - for many years. Measures 22" x 30" including the wood frame. In good vintage condition. Some staining, most notably to Slade's leg, a couple of tears and age toning throughout. Image by John Wood photography of New York. Lithograph by H. A. Thomas of Fourth Avenue, NY. An exceptionally rare poster.
The poster hung in Bills Gay Nineties Restaurant - a New York City Landmark - for many years. Measures 22" x 30" including the wood frame. In good vintage condition. Some staining, most notably to Slade's leg, a couple of tears and age toning throughout. Image by John Wood photography of New York. Lithograph by H. A. Thomas of Fourth Avenue, NY. An exceptionally rare poster.
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