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This photograph is part of a much larger and wonderfully eclectic collection of photos and documents acquired in Europe several years ago. The acid-free red and white sticker on the verso is part of the previous owner’s personal collection and catalog system.
Each photo is approximately 6x9 in
Up for sale is a pair of original press photographs documenting the February 24, 1967 escape of Albert DeSalvo — the convicted “Boston Strangler” — from Bridgewater State Hospital, Massachusetts. The two images show the exterior prison wall and grounds through which DeSalvo and two fellow inmates made their escape, with an official photographed pointing to the precise escape point along the wall.
The reverse of the first photo bears the original press caption identifying the location as Mass-Bridgewater, dated February 24, 1967, with the handwritten notation “Albert DeSalvo escapes” and the typed caption reading: “Up and over the wall (center) to rear of prison and escape was assured.” The second photo is dated February 25, 1967.
DeSalvo had been convicted in connection with the Boston Strangler murders — 13 women killed between 1962 and 1964 — making his escape national news. He surrendered the following day, reportedly having left a note for the superintendent claiming the escape was intended to draw attention to poor conditions at the facility.
Original press photographs documenting this specific escape are extremely scarce and highly sought by true crime collectors and researchers of one of America’s most notorious criminal cases.
Condition: Overall good condition with general signs of age, storage, and handling. Please examine all provided photos carefully, as they form an essential part of the listing description. Guaranteed old and original.
Disclaimer: Item details, identification, and historical context are based on the seller’s personal research and best assessment. Buyers are ultimately purchasing the physical photograph pictured, in the condition shown. No additional authentication is implied or
