Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Benham Indian James Jeffries Postcards
Year	1907
Size	3 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Images	Color
Type	Postcards
Number in Set	9

1907 Benham Indian James Jeffries Postcards Overview

James Jeffries was one of the premier fighters in the pre-war era and this was a set of nine postcards dedicated to him.

Created in 1907 by the Benham Indian Trading Company, Jeffries is pictured on all six postcards with color photos. The postcards include a 1907 copyright assisting in the dating of the issue.

Jeffries stands against a variety of backgrounds with some blank, some with a circular shape behind him (such as the one pictured here), and one with a rectangular shape where he is pictured fighting an unidentified boxer.

All of the postcards feature him in ring attire with the exception of one that shows Jeffries in a suit and hat. Each of the six includes a caption as well as Jeffries’ replica signature. The captions vary in type with four having an ‘all caps’ handwritten style, one having a more traditional typeset, and one (the postcard featuring Jeffries in a suit) with a ‘Yours Truly’ caption in his handwriting.

A small card number is also printed on the fronts. As the card numbers begin over 1000, these were likely included as part of an overall postcard numbering system from the manufacturer.

The numbering for most of these falls in line, running consecutively from 1046 through 1050. But the ‘Yours Truly’ postcard curiously is 1022. Given that, the caption that is not typed, and the fact that Jeffries is in a suit, it is possible that some could consider that one not a part of this set. However, given the other similarities with the replica signature and background, it is usually grouped as part of this set.

The postcards are not generally that easy to find but, like many boxing collectibles, do not usually command big money. Despite Jeffries’ stature, lower-grade ones are usually in the $10-$20 range.

1907 Benham Indian James Jeffries Postcards Checklist

1022. Yours Truly
1023. On the Farm
1024. Gentleman’s Cafe
1046. on Guard
1047. Heavyweight Champion of the World
1048. At Ease
1049. Ready
1050. The Knock-Out Blow
1051. Looking for an Opening

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