The great John L. Sullivan "himself" is prominently pictured on this rare and fragile advertising silk from the late 1880s. Sullivan is shown in bust view and is flanked by his colors including the sun, Irish shamrocks, an Irish harp and the United States flag. Mounted on board for protection, this silk has a bold image with vivid colors. Some light staining and border tears, common with these silks. Put out by New York Illustrated News in the late 1880s when Sullivan was champion, likely at the time of his famous match with Jake Kilrain. 28x32.5", a rare offering of one of the great champions who linked the bare knuckle era to the boxing glove era.