May 07, 2020 - Sale 2534

Sale 2534 - Lot 309

Unsold
Estimate: $ 300 - $ 400
(MILITARY--AMERICAN REVOLUTION.) Print thought to depict the early boxing star Bill Richmond serving as hangman for Nathan Hale. Engraving titled "Last Words of Captain Nathan Hale, the Hero-Martyr of the American Revolution," 12 x 14 1/2 inches; dampstaining, 1-inch closed tear, and minor wear. Cincinnati, OH: Henry Howe, 1858

Additional Details

Bill Richmond (1763-1829) was born into slavery in Staten Island, NY. Some say he served as the hangman at the execution of American spy Nathan Hale in 1776; it may have been another African-American man named Richmond. Bill Richmond moved to England in 1777, where he became one of the first great stars of boxing. With--research material on Richmond.