?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 10,000 - $ 15,000
(CRIME--CALIFORNIA) Tall album entitled "Criminal Photographs No. 19. Thomas Cunningham, Sheriff, Stockton, Cal.," containing more than 600 compelling mug shots of criminals in the Folsom, San Quentin, Whittier, and Nevada State Penitentiaries, which was compiled by the legendary lawman Sheriff Cunningham. Arch-topped albumen prints, 3x2 1/2 inches (7.5x6.4 cm.), with a serial number in the negative; mounted 3 to a page (recto/verso), with a printed number (the same as in the photograph), in red ink, and a handwritten caption identifying the convict and occasional notations about their alias or sentence, on mount recto. Tall 4to, gilt-lettered leatherette. 1880s-90s
A remarkable compilation of crisp and clean photographs that was carefully arranged by the Ireland-born, Brooklyn-bred Cunningham (1836-1900), and lovingly maintained by subsequent owners. Cunningham was Sheriff of San Joaquin County from 1872-1899.
According to an entry published by the San Joaquin County Historical Society (a photostatic copy accompanies this lot): "Sheriff Cunningham believed that all men, even criminals (after their arrest), should be treated with sympathy." Apparently one of his deputies attested to Cunningham's emotional intelligence skills: ". . . the sheriff never used a gun in making an arrest but just said, 'You come with me,' and the man always came."
Each crime album that has passed through our auction rooms is distinctive. The pictures in this album feature an array of characters who are depicted frontally. The inmate's new identity, their serial number, is consistently noted on an upper left shoulder. A host of laborers, including African Americans and Hispanics, sport well-trimmed mustaches. Other workingmen are stereotypically bedraggled, and their multiple prison terms duly noted. In addition, there are many depictions of teenagers, especially boys. Finally, women (apparently "of the night") also make an appearance, their grim expressions reflect lives of hard knocks.
Finally, an assortment of well-dressed men, who display not a hint of guilt or shame, face the camerman with more than a hint of a smile. (Was Cunningham in attendance?) In accordance with the sheriff's humanity, virtually of the gentlemen are shown with neatly combed hair, artfully wound cravats, and impeccably-styled suits. Indeed, with the abundant new wealth throughout northern California, the golden opportunities available to capable con men can easily be imagined. (Think Robert Redford and Paul Newman in "The Sting.")
