Striking large-format felt pennant, advertising an appearance between prizefighters James J. Jeffries and Tom Sharkey. The two heavyweights fought twice, in 1898 and 1899, with Jeffries winning both bouts. Years later, the two former pros toured the Vaudeville circuit, re-enacting their old fights to the delight of fans.  This handsome pennant advertises the Vaudeville appearances, not the fights.

Measuring approximately 17" at its widest, and a massive 38" from the top of the tassel to the forked end, this oversized piece is in outstanding condition. The purple felt does exhibit some areas of wear and a few tiny holes near the edges, the white reinforcement yellowed with age and the white paint cracked, but mostly still intact.  The original tassels remain attached.  This rare pennant was not intended as a souvenir, but to be hung as an advertisement in the venues where both fighters appeared, hence their rarity (and their large size).  A truly exceptional, rare pennant.