Title:
Rare Jesse James Death Advertising Trade Card / CDV – “Golden Eagle Clothing House,” Kansas City, Missouri – Late 19th Century

Description:
Original late 19th-century advertising trade card / CDV (carte de visite format) featuring a striking and widely circulated post-mortem image of outlaw Jesse James, used commercially by the “Golden Eagle Clothing House” of Kansas City, Missouri. The sepia-toned image depicts James in repose following his death, framed by bold advertising text reading:

“Mens and Boys Clothing
Golden Eagle
Clothing House
414 & 416 Main St
Kansas City, Mo.”

Printed on period cardstock consistent with CDV production, the piece exhibits moderate to heavy age-related wear, including creasing across the surface, toning, and rounded corners from handling. The image remains visible with soft fading, retaining its distinct and recognizable composition. The reverse is blank, with visible mounting residue in the upper corner and multiple crease lines.

Historical Context:
Jesse James (1847–1882), one of the most notorious outlaws of the American West, was assassinated on April 3, 1882, by Robert Ford in St. Joseph, Missouri. In the immediate aftermath of his death, post-mortem photographs of James were widely distributed and became iconic images of the era, fueling both public fascination and mythmaking surrounding his life and legacy.

This piece represents a rare example of how such imagery was repurposed for commercial advertising. Businesses—particularly in Missouri and surrounding regions—capitalized on James’ notoriety to draw attention, merging sensational imagery with retail promotion. The use of a death image in a trade card/CDV format is especially notable, reflecting 19th-century cultural attitudes toward death, celebrity, and spectacle.

Kansas City, a rapidly growing commercial center during this period, provided fertile ground for such marketing innovations. As a result, surviving examples of death-image advertising pieces like this are scarce, particularly those clearly tied to identifiable businesses.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
N/A

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
An exceptionally rare Jesse James death advertising trade card/CDV, combining outlaw legend with 19th-century commercial ingenuity. Its unusual subject matter, regional significance, and crossover appeal between Western Americana and advertising ephemera make it a highly desirable and seldom-seen collectible—ideal for advanced collectors seeking unique and historically evocative material.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.

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