Unique semi-glossy 9.25 x 12 photo of the heavyweight boxer and auto racing pioneer together in front of an automobile, affixed to a 12 x 15.25 mount, signed and inscribed at the top in fountain pen to famed sportswriter Ring Lardner, "To my friend Lardner, You know me, Barry Oldfield" and, "To my southern friend, Yours, Jas. J. Jeffries." A date notation of February 4, 1911, is penned in the upper left corner. In very good condition, with an overall block of toning from previous display, an area of soiling to the right side of the mount, trimmed mount edges, and scattered surface marks and rubbing. Oldfield and Jeffries were good friends, and both had recently squared off against the great Jack Johnson in their respective sports — Jeffries was famously dealt his only loss in the ring by Johnson seven months earlier in July, while Oldfield had beaten Johnson in two auto races after being challenged by him in October. The pair had also made the papers six weeks earlier when they were thrown from a car while speeding down a road at forty miles per hour. An excellent association piece between sporting giants of the early 20th century.
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