Lot 165
James, Jessie Woodson (1847-1882). Bank robber, train robber, murderer, outlaw, gang leader, and the most notorious member of the James-Younger gang. Originally Jessie and his brother Frank were Confederate guerrillas accused of atrocities against Union Soldiers during the Civil War. Their life of crime, robbing trains and stagecoaches, came soon after. Jesse James' death at the hand of one his own gang members, Robert Ford, fueled a mythology first evidenced in the form of dime novels and plays. Despite his portrayal as a populist Robin Hood, there is no evidence that he ever shared his loot with anyone but the members of his gang. His appeal continued with the advent of movies and television, but far from being the romanticized "outlaw hero", James was depicted as a vigilante and terrorist. Nevertheless, his impact during the post Civil War years is undeniable, when he achieved legendary status.
Cut signature of Jessie W. James from a storied collection and expert. The original letter was a nearly destroyed from water damage and disasterous storage. The signature evidently was the only element salvageable. Written in brown ink on cream/toned paper, the signature is light but clearly legible, "Yours Truly Jessie W. James". In the sentence above, the words "my" and "never" are discernable. Actual cut measures 3¾ x 1" and while in only good condition, it remains a very rare and desirable signature. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000
From The John Herbert Collection.
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| Realized $2,000 |
