1909 Silver Samovar presented to Jim Pratt by Joe Jeannette, Willie Lewis & Dan McKetrick
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£975.00
£975.00
per item
A remarkable silver-plated samovar presented to Jim Pratt by boxers Joe Jeannette & Willie Lewis along with manager, Dan McKetrick. The impressive piece measures 22 ½ high and 12 ¼ wide at the handles. It features the presentation inscription: "To our old pal Jim Pratt - The Father of Boxing in France - Willie Lewis, Joe Jeannette, Dan McKetrick - May 27th 1909". VG good condition for it's age. A few indentations to the lid and the tap is slightly loose; moderate patina to the silver.
Jim Pratt was a renowned English referee who spent time in France during their early twentieth century boxing boom. Joe Jeannette was one of the great heavyweights of his era, with career victories over Jack Johnson, Sam Langford, Sam McVea & Georges Carpentier. He won the World Coloured Heavyweight Championship but was denied a shot at the World Title by fellow black fighter, Johnson. Some of his greatest accomplishments came during his three trips to Paris - the backlash of Johnson's victory in Australia and Jack's unwillingness to fight any other black fighters left Joe with very few competitive and profitable bouts in the United States. Hearing about the acceptance of black fighters in Paris and the lucrative purses being offered, he decided to set sail to Europe. Under the guidance of Dan McKetrick, the very worldly, educated, and resourceful editor of the New York World, Joe arrived in Paris in the early part of 1909. Jeannette was trained by Willie Lewis, who himself was an accomplished and popular fighter in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. Lewis, who's considered a pioneer of the one-two punch, soon because a favourite with the French fans due to his personality and style, both in and out of the ring. He made two unsuccessful attempts at the World welterweight title, controversially drawing against World welterweight Champion Harry Lewis twice in Paris. A fabulous association piece linking three important names in a golden era of boxing.
Jim Pratt was a renowned English referee who spent time in France during their early twentieth century boxing boom. Joe Jeannette was one of the great heavyweights of his era, with career victories over Jack Johnson, Sam Langford, Sam McVea & Georges Carpentier. He won the World Coloured Heavyweight Championship but was denied a shot at the World Title by fellow black fighter, Johnson. Some of his greatest accomplishments came during his three trips to Paris - the backlash of Johnson's victory in Australia and Jack's unwillingness to fight any other black fighters left Joe with very few competitive and profitable bouts in the United States. Hearing about the acceptance of black fighters in Paris and the lucrative purses being offered, he decided to set sail to Europe. Under the guidance of Dan McKetrick, the very worldly, educated, and resourceful editor of the New York World, Joe arrived in Paris in the early part of 1909. Jeannette was trained by Willie Lewis, who himself was an accomplished and popular fighter in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. Lewis, who's considered a pioneer of the one-two punch, soon because a favourite with the French fans due to his personality and style, both in and out of the ring. He made two unsuccessful attempts at the World welterweight title, controversially drawing against World welterweight Champion Harry Lewis twice in Paris. A fabulous association piece linking three important names in a golden era of boxing.
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