This one came with a name.
John Maddox, No. 5186.
The period clipping attached to the back says Maddox was received at the Kentucky State Reformatory on June 8, 1915 after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Jefferson County, Kentucky. His sentence was 10 to 21 years, and the entry records that he escaped on July 12, 1917.
And because apparently somebody wanted absolutely no mystery left regarding this man's physical appearance, the clipping records everything from his height and weight to scars, complexion, occupation and even that he was “very hairy.” History can be remarkably invasive.
There's also a handwritten notation reading “5' 8 3/8" shoes.” Whether this was someone's cataloging notation or something connected to the original record, I don't know.
The reverse side was made from a repurposed printed sheet dated 1915 concerning the City of Dover Board of Supervisors, which makes the construction of the piece almost as interesting as Maddox himself.
And unlike the unidentified portraits in my Haunted Relics collection, I have read John.
His psychic reading will be available on my YouTube channel, where I investigate the person behind the photograph and see what comes through now that he's been sitting around for more than a century waiting for somebody to ask.
The reading is not included with the physical card, and no paranormal guarantee is being made about the object itself. You're adopting the original historical artifact. Whatever you decide to do with John after that is your business.
Details
Antique criminal mug shot / identification card
Identified as John Maddox, No. 5186
Kentucky State Reformatory
Received June 8, 1915
Convicted of voluntary manslaughter
Period entry states he escaped July 12, 1917
Original portrait with period biographical/prison clipping attached
Handwritten measurement notation
Reverse constructed from repurposed 1915 printed material
Significant age related creasing, cracking, toning and wear
Sold as found
Display easel and styling props not included
Important: Historical information above is transcribed/paraphrased from the documentation physically attached to this artifact. I have not independently verified Maddox's criminal history.
