[OUTLAWS] 2 real photo postcards showing the hanging of Thomas E. "Black Jack" Ketchum [April 1901].

5 3/8 x 3 3/8 in. real photo postcards captioned in the negative, "The Hanging of 'Black Jack' the Outlaw," and "Body of 'Black Jack' after the Hanging Showing Head snapped off." Each with surface soiling, some toning, and wear to edges and corners. "The Hanging" card bears adhesive and black paper residue spots and likely modern pencil inscriptions on verso. One image shows men standing around Ketchum as the noose is prepared to be placed around his neck; the other shows men posing with the body of the executed Ketchum.

Thomas Edward "Black Jack" Ketchum was born in Texas in 1863. He and his older brother Sam worked as cowboys around New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas by about the 1890s. After a while, the brothers took to robbing trains and occasionally stores and post offices. Over their criminal career they rode with members of the "Wild Bunch," "Kid" Curry, members of the "Hole in the Wall Gang," and virtually every other contemporary outlaw.

After Sam's death, "Black Jack" attempted a lone robbery, getting shot in the process. He was thrown off the train and unable to escape due to weakness from pain and loss of blood. He essentially surrendered to the next train. Ketchum was tried and sentenced to hang.

After a number of delays, he was finally led to the scaffold 26 April 1901. A miscalculation by an inexperienced hangman severed Black Jack's head in the drop. He became the only person hanged for train robbery (later deemed unconstitutional); the only person hanged in Union County, NM; and one of only a couple of criminals decapitated in the US during a judicial hanging.

The Michael Feorino Collection of Native American and Western Photography

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Each with surface soiling, some toning, and wear to edges and corners. "The Hanging" card bears adhesive and black paper residue spots and likely modern pencil inscriptions on verso.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

[OUTLAWS] 2 real photo postcards showing the hanging of Thomas E. "Black Jack" Ketchum [April 1901].

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup