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A studio photographer in Nashville, Tenn., shot this photograph of the legendary outlaw Jesse James. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

Leslie Hindman to sell rare autographed photo of Jesse James

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

A studio photographer in Nashville, Tenn., shot this photograph of the legendary outlaw Jesse James. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
A studio photographer in Nashville, Tenn., shot this photograph of the legendary outlaw Jesse James. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
CHICAGO – Jesse James has been an American obsession for over a century. Most of his life, however, remains a mystery. The outlaw left few artifacts behind to help fill in the gaps, which has intensified the demand for all James-related historical memorabilia, especially photographs and signed documents. On April 5 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will sell the only known signed photograph of Jesse Woodson James.

LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live biddings for the entire auction.

The albumen print portrait, showing James as a young man with his hair slicked back and dressed in a suit and tie, is an iconic image of the outlaw. James was killed by Robert Ford, a member of his gang, at the age of 34. James’ signature is exceedingly rare, with only one other signed item selling previously at auction. The signed photograph in Hindman’s auction is expected to greatly exceed its $20,000-30,000 estimate.

The provenance of the photograph is excellent. It was obtained by Andrew MacKellar, captain of the Cunard Line’s the RMS Queen Mary from 1954 to 1959, from Calvin Tilden Owns, husband of Ethel Rose James (the granddaughter of Jesse James), who confirmed the authenticity of the signed photograph. It was bequeathed to her by Jesse James’ widow, Zee, as part of an inheritance. The photograph has been in private hands since it was purchased from Capt. MacKellar in 1958.

The signed photograph will be a featured in the Americana session of the Fine Books and Manuscripts Auction to be held Tuesday, April 5, starting at noon Eastern at Hindman’s gallery, 1338 W. Lake St. The items will be on display Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, April 3, from noon to 5 p.m., and Monday, April 4, from noon to 6 p.m.

For details contact Mary Williams at 312-334-4236 or marywilliams@lesliehindman.com.

 

 

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

A studio photographer in Nashville, Tenn., shot this photograph of the legendary outlaw Jesse James. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
A studio photographer in Nashville, Tenn., shot this photograph of the legendary outlaw Jesse James. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.