June 22, 2024 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/22/2024
Stamped with Erickson inmate No "9781" on the very top of the silver inlaid vine and leaf pattern birds head shanks, these rare maker-marked Colorado Penitentiary spurs have striped heel bands, 16-point 1 3/4" spoke rowels and upturned stationary floral buttons attached to worn two-piece basket stamped leathers. Overall, very good-fine condition, circa 1920s.
Provenance: Ex Ron & Linda Gillett Collection
Carl Erickson arrived in Canon City Penitentiary in 1915 already an experienced blacksmith. Like his contemporaries John Cox and Bob Baldwin, he had been convicted of murder and received a life sentence for slaying of his wife, Augusta. Erickson was born in Illinois in the 1860s, moving to Denver in 1887. He had a history of alcohol abuse, drunken disorderliness and domestic violence, which led to the killing. Carl remained in prison until the 1930s when his voluntary participation in a dangerous TB study earned him a full pardon at age 66.