Description
The Hanged Sheriff – life-sized
19th century folk art, hand carved wooden effigy of a sheriff executed by hanging.
As the story goes, somewhere in Texas there ruled the orneriest wild western prick of a sheriff by the name of William Daggett, who’s only resemblance to the law was the tin star sheriff’s badge he wore on his vest. His reputation was notorius in thieving, drunkeness and the frequent ruthless beating of anyone who dared get in his way. But when he added cold blooded murder to that reputation the townspeople had had enough. Under cover of darkness, William in a drunken state was dragged from the jail house and hung by torch light in the center of town. Some accounts have his body left to feed the buzzards for better than a week before a sympathetic soul cut him down in the dead of the night. It’s said William’s last words were “I’ll be waiting for each and every one of ya in hell.” Fact or fiction, myth or mystery, it’s up to you to decide.
A very solid, heavy piece carved with fine detail. Sheriff’s star on the belt buckle and his arms tied behind his back! This warning to all that would put themselves above the law, was said to have literally hung in a Texas courtroom until being taken down in the 1920s.
The cowboy boots have suffered some damage to the tips, a thumb has broken off at some point, all honest wear typical to age. The noose has been added recently for effect or display and presentation and is not included in the sale.
56 in. tall
