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For your consideration is an antique CDV portrait photograph of the notorious and legendary New York criminal, William Magear Tweed, historically known as “Boss” Tweed\". It is in excellent used condition, albeit with some writing front and back contemporaneous with a time. The writing does not detract from its beauty, and actually helps to date the photo.
At the bottom of the front is written “Boss Tweed”, which does not appear to be in Tweed’s handwriting. On the back, Tweed is identified and described as a New York Alderman and Thief. Tweed served as alderman from 1852-1853. During his heyday in the last 1860s, at the height of his power, Tweed served in the role of Deputy Street Commissioner, where he could best manage the illegal lucrative contracts through which he and his Ring fleeced NYC of countless millions of
. Graft was nothing new to New York government, but Tweed elevated it to an art form. Crusading artist Thomas Nast of Harper’s Weekly took him down with his dramatic political illustrations. Tweed was famously quoted: “I don’t care w they write about me; my constituents can’t read. But somebody stop them damned pictures!”
This card was photographed and produced by highly-regarded photographer W.R. Howell, whose New York studio on Broadway captured the images of many celebrities and prominent personalities of that day. This adds significantly to the card’s value and appeal. A great addition to any collection.
This CDV employs the albumen process which allowed multiple images from one negative, and made these possible and highly popular during that period. Please examine my photos carefully, as they are part of my description, and feel free to ask questions. Shipping is by USPS Priority Mail flat-rate envelope. Thank you for looking.
