120

(California, ca. 1940)

Large photograph of Tattooed Head of Sailor Hughie Bowen

Depicting Christ's head on the scalp of tattoo artist Hugh Bowen (1894-1970), aka Sailor Hughie. Bowen got his head tattooed in Detroit by Percy Waters around 1919, when this image was first taken. He later worked as a tattooed attraction and artist in Michigan, Long Beach and other locations, but spent most of his career in San Diego, where his wife, "Painless" Nell, operated several tattoo shops. Photo enlargement, ca. 1940. Verso with paper label of San Francisco tattoo artist Marshall Steele, reading "Marshall Steele, 540 Leavenworth Avenue, San Francisco 9, California."
13 3/4 x 10 in. (34.9 x 25.4 cm.)

  • Condition: Condition reports are available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of imperfections. Bidders are encouraged to inspect items in person or through a knowledgeable representative. If you have questions about condition, please contact Bray & Co. before placing your bid.

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September 24, 2023 12:00 PM EDT
Portsmouth, NH, US

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000