Apr 16, 2019 - Sale 2505

Sale 2505 - Lot 84

Price Realized: $ 500
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
(CRIME.) Engraved invitation to the execution of murderer Marshall Clements. Engraved card, 3 x 5 inches, signed by R.L. Henderson as sheriff of Saguache County, and inscribed with the name of the recipient on verso; moderate wear and soiling. Saguache, CO, 17 November 1885

Additional Details

Marshall Clements killed his brother and sister-in-law in rural Saguache, CO in August 1885, and was declared guilty on 11 November, with his hanging to take place on 3 December. The sheriff of Saguache County was so excited by this impending event that he had special invitation cards engraved for the occasion. The present example is dated in manuscript 17 November, just 6 days after the sentencing. According to the accompanying note, it was presented to New Zealand railroad engineer V.R. Caruthers, who happened to be staying at the Saguache hotel. Caruthers "never availed himself of the privilege" but gave the pass to a friend upon returning home.