1915 Cope’s Boxers Set and Checklist

‘It’s In The Details’

Title Cope’s Boxers
Year 1915
Size 1 1/2″ x 2 5/8″
Images Black and White
Type Tobacco
Number in Set
125

1915 Cope’s Boxers Set Overview

1915 Cope's Boxers Boxing.jpgThese cards were issued by Cope Brothers & Company, Ltd., a tobacco manufacturer in Liverpool and London, England. Cards were packaged with their cigarette products.

Fronts of these cards have a unique design with a black border with a black and white picture and the Cope’s Cigarettes name inside of boxes. In particular, the black borders that are unable to hide most flaws are one of the reasons that finding these cards in high-grade condition is difficult.

In addition to a biography, backs of the cards were a little unique with some statistical information on each subject, including a height, weight, and birth year. In all, there are 125 total cards. The ‘Boxers’ name is also printed on the backs.

Interestingly, while many boxers are in the set pictured as fighters, the set also includes boxers dressed in military gear or formal street clothes. The military aspect is understood as many fighters were called into duty during World War I. For example, Hall of Famer Georges Carpentier is pictured as an aviator in the French Aerial Corps.

Here’s a closer look at how the set is linked to military participation by many of the boxers.

The set includes about 20 Hall of Famers and is led by John Sullivan and Jack Johnson.

1915 Cope’s Boxers Set Checklist

Here is a checklist of the entire set.

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