GARFIELD ASSASSIN CHARLES GUITEAU SIGNED 1882 CABINET CARD BY C. M. BELL.
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Winning Bid:
$923.30
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, July 26, 2022 9:00:00 PM)
Item Description
4.25x6.5". C.M. Bell was given permission to photograph Guiteau in Washington City Jail on Feb. 6, 1882, about midway between Garfield's death and Guiteau's execution. Here he is unusually clean shaven and wearing a suit. Later portraits show the effect of his incarceration. Very likely suffering from schizophrenia and clinical delusions, Guiteau's listless scholarly and even professional life were defined by his mother's death from causes related to postpartum depression. After lionizing Albert Noyes and joining his Oneida Community, Guiteau was expelled and sued Noyes. Guiteau then became a bill collector who himself outran his debts to New York. He turned his attention to politics and after delivering two speeches in favor of Garfield became convinced that he was owed a Consulate position. It was this betrayal that he cited when rationalizing the assassination. Guiteau believed that Garfield owed him a pardon as he had saved the nation. He went to the gallows smiling, shook the executioner's hand and read a poem that he wrote while in prison. Signed boldly center margin and in period pencil is annotated "Who Shot President Garfield". Strong example w/even toning, few pen drops in field, lift to photo paper top right and minor corner wear. Exc. Comes w/Hake's COA and JSA LOA.
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