36 198
48
●
(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
[10,000/15,000]
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 cameraman 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.”)