Pinback button promoting Wendell Willkie for president, with endorsement of heavyweight boxer Joe Louis, 1940. No maker mark.
Joe Louis not only was a heavyweight champion, but also a pioneer among African Americans sports figures making political endorsements. Louis was a vocal supporter of the Republican in the 1940 election, saying: "I have never come out for any candidate before but I think Wendell L. Willkie will give us a square deal. So I am for Willkie because I think he will help my people, and I figure my people should be for him, too." Louis later came under scrutiny by the IRS for tax evasion, some believe in retribution for his political views.
A handful of pinbacks were issued to tout the boxer's endorsement, and are some of the most sought after Willkie buttons. A top condition example of this 20th century classic.
