Vintage Mug Shots
Vintage Photograph
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Early 20th century vintage mug shot photographs. The use of photography in the justice system became prevalent later in the 19th century, as they felt the documentation of physical traits could help predict criminal tendencies. Alphonse Bertillion, a clerk in the Parisian police department developed the mug shot, a format which features a frontal and profile image of the subject. Coupled with a system of identifying facial measurements, this tracking system was adopted by the Chicago Police Department in 1894.
Information on verso identifies the man as Charles Thomas jailed at the Missouri State Penitentiary for burglary and released in 1942.
From the collection of Police Chief Michael Webb (1950-2009). Webb joined the Vinita Park, Missouri police force in 1974 and served until his death in 2009, during which time he purchased crime artifacts from relatives of criminals and law officers. Boasting more than 8,000 wanted posters, pieces of Webb’s collection have been featured in film and displayed at the National Crime and Punishment Museum in Washington.
Measuring approximately 3.5 x 5.5 inches, this photograph is in overall very good condition, with expected light age wear.
View All Vintage Mug Shots
20th century mug shots, Leo Nicholas Hecht, Forgery, Lincoln County, Missouri, 1944
20th century mug shots, William La Trasse, Highway Robbery, Buchanan Cty, MO
Early to mid-20th century vintage mug shot photographs (printed later - circa late 20th century)
Early to mid-20th century vintage mug shot photographs (printed later - circa late 20th century)
20th century mug shots, Clarence Copeland
20th century mug shots, Unidentified Mug Shot Postcard
20th century mug shots, Elton G. Haughey, Larceny, 1945
Mid 20th century mug shots, vintage photography
Mid 20th century mug shots, vintage photography
Mid 20th century mug shots, vintage photography
Mid 20th century mug shots, vintage photography