180

Iron Rings From the Tennessee Gallows that Hung Champ Fergus

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Iron Rings From the Tennessee Gallows that Hung Champ Fergus

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
descended directly in the family of William Fuson Dyer, first Director of Information for the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Both of wrought iron, with pierced straps for suspending an iron ring through which the hangman's rope would pass. One meant to be attached to a beam with a metal pin, the other with a nut and bolt. Largest ring 7.5" in diameter.

These rings were taken from the gallows used at the Tennessee prison on Church Street in Nashville (1858-1883). It was during this period that Ferguson was hung (October 20, 1865). In 1883, the prison was moved and a new Tennessee State Prison was opened in 1898. The gallows moved to the new location. By 1913, execution by hanging had been replaced by electrocution, but the gallows remained standing until 1966 when they were finally dismantled. At that time, Dyer asked and received permission to retain the rings. He died in 2003 and his family has commissioned Cowan's to offer these historical relics to the public. Ironically, these were received approximately two weeks after Lots 172-179, and from an entirely different part of the country.

Accompanied by information supplied by the family, attesting to their history and provenance. 

Descended Directly in the Family of William Fuson Dyer

Condition: Fine with expected iron oxidation.