The Best Saloon or Casino Painting

If you know the old west or follow poker you know that the Dead man's Hand was termed for the hand James Butler Hickok was holding when Jack McCall (having played poker the night before with Hickok and been cleaned out, then given a few bucks for breakfast) walked into Tom Nuttall's #10 Saloon and murdered him. Hickok's hand was 2 Aces and 2 Eights - all black - and the kicker was a nine. Even today historians can't agree if it was the 9 of diamonds or clubs, or some now say it was the Jack of Diamonds - but they all agree it was the winning hand.

YOU ARE IN THE PAINTING
Painted from the perspective of the 4th man playing the deadly hand, Captain William R. Massey - who asserted he was a one time Missouri River Pilot who claimed that the bullet which ended the life of Wild Bill had lodged in his right arm (later in court he changed his mind and said it was his left). Rather than have the slug removed, Massey bragged for the rest of his life that when you shook his hand you were shaking the ball that killed Wild Bill.

Can you imagine a better subject for a world-class Poker or Casino Painting? Neither could we.

Back in May, 2006 we were rounded up to work on a re-enactment of the moment when Jack McCall walked into Tom Nuttal's #10 Saloon on Aug 2 1876, in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, and murdered Wild Bill Hickok.

Longfellow, and other modern day Gunfighters, worked closely with the producers to create the right atmosphere, setting, and circumstances for that infamous second. Everything was set up like a movie set at Heritage Park in Calgary (an authentic 19th century town).

That's our pard, Red Cahoun, in the ill-fated role of Wild Bill, Longfellow (I just found out I was the harbinger of death, hell I don't even know what State Harbinger's in!) at the door about to come in and Good Bob behind Red's (Hickok's) right shoulder. After about 5 hours of taking digital pictures from every conceivable angle - we were done.

It was now up to Canadian Artist, Ken Dewar to splatter his magic on canvas, and create the finished product - pictured above. 130 years after Hickok's murder, this painting was unveiled in front of City Hall in Deadwood, South Dakota. The Deadwood Chamber received print #1 out of a limited edition of 2500. Order your copy today.

Available in a number of different print processes. Our logo is only on this image. Expect 3-5 weeks for delivery. Poster is shipped rolled in a crush proof shipping tube. Prices are in USD and include shipping via the postal service. Any print valued at over $500.00 will be shipped courier, with signature required. For more information e-mail us at:

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Edition Size - 20 - $900 - SOLD OUT

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