RARE CARTE VISTA PHOTOGRAPH OF "BLACK BART"

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020

Charles Earl Boles aka "Black Bart" born in Norfolk, England in 1829, date of death is unknown, last seen on February 28, 1888. Black Bart was an American Outlaw noted for the poetic messages he left behind after two of his robberies. Often called Charley by his friends, he was also known as Charles (or C.E.) Bolton. Considered a gentleman bandit with a reputation for style and sophistication, he was one of the most notorious stagecoach robbers to operate in and around Northern California and southern Oregon during the 1870s and 1880s. In late 1849 he and his two brothers David and James joined in the California Gold Rush, prospecting in the North Fork of the American River near Sacramento. During the Civil War Boles enlisted as a private in Company B, 116th Illinois Regiment, becoming a First Sergeant within a year of service. He was seriously wounded at the Battle of Vicksburg and took part in Sherman's March to the Sea. He was discharged a brevet first lieutenant on June 7,1865 with his regiment in Washington D.C. In 1867 he returned to prospecting for gold in Idaho and Montana. In a letter to his wife in 1871, he told her of an unpleasant encounter with Wells, Fargo & Company agents and vowed to exact revenge. His wife never heard from him again. "Black Bart" proceeded to rob Wells Fargo stagecoaches at least 28 times across northern California between 1875 and 1883. He only left two poems, but this came to be considered his signature and ensured his fame. Black Bart was quite successful, often times taking thousands of dollars a year. This "Carte Vista" photograph measures 5 - 1/4 inches x 8 - 1/2 inches and is titled "Black Bart" at the bottom. This is a known image of James Earl Boles, aka "Black Bart". CONDITION: Fine overall. Slightly faded with moderate staining. Overall a very presentable image. -MKS-

Item Dimensions: Frame: 11" x 9" x 2".