Lot 26

Ten Thousand Dollars Reward Poster for Chris Evans and John Sontag, 1892

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Rare original Wells Fargo & Co. and Southern Pacific reward broadside issued September 6th, 1892, offering a combined $10,000 reward for the arrest of notorious train robbers Chris Evans and John Sontag, who conducted a series of high-profile robberies in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The poster outlines multiple robberies from 1889 to 1892 and includes detailed physical descriptions of both outlaws. Evans, born in Ottawa, Canada, and Sontag, a Minnesota native, gained infamy for holding up Southern Pacific trains, evading posses, and engaging in dramatic gunfights with law enforcement. Evans was eventually captured after a shootout left him blinded in one eye, while Sontag died from injuries sustained during their final gun battle. This example bears documentation from R.B. Clifton Picture Framing, Pasadena (dated 1958), stating it was sourced from the U.S. District Court files and retains exhibit markings from that court. Also included are period and later biographical references and mug shots detailing the duo’s criminal careers, capture, and imprisonment. Dimensions: Sight 16 ¼ x 12 ½ in., framed 21 x 17in. Provenance: Al and Carol Cali Collection. Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx for $175 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).

Condition

Very good overall; typical toning, folds, and age wear; professionally framed with documentation verso.

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