1800s Unreliable Policeman Penny Dreadful Broadside Ballad Vinegar Valentine - Woodblock Engraving Comic Caricature Illustration Print - Hand Colored - Comedy Satire Poem - Saloon Beer

Antique Original 1800s Unreliable Policeman Penny Dreadful Broadside Ballad Vinegar Valentine - Woodblock Engraving Comic Caricature Illustration Print - Hand Colored - Comedy Satire Poem - Saloon Beer

"UNRELIABLE POLICEMAN," which criticizes the officer’s integrity and suggests corruption or dereliction of duty, accusing the character of being able to be bought with a drink. The verse uses a direct and accusatory tone, indicating this was likely used as a form of social commentary or political satire.

This type of print could have been used for various purposes, such as a “vinegar valentine” (comic, insulting valentines popular in the 19th century), or as a broadside ballad or penny dreadful, which were cheaply-produced sheets sold on the streets for entertainment.

"UNRELIABLE POLICEMAN.
You sneaking, worthless rascal! how did you get a place
On the force, of public guardians, with such a thievish face?
You haven’t got a particle of conscience, or of soul,
And anyone that wants to, can buy you with a bowl."

Measures Approx. 7" Wide by 9-5/8" Tall - Ready For Framing

In Good Antique Condition - Newsprint Type Paper With Edge Wear / Tears, Staining, Folds, Paper Chipping, Some Paper Toning Due To Age And History-Collectors Watermarked That Is Not On The Print

Product Photos Include a Logo Watermark and Possibly an Object for Scale / Photography Purposes Only. Also, Product Listings May Include Newspaper Images, Display Photos or Short Video Clips Relevant to the Item Which Are Not Included in the Purchase. The Product Title is for the Exact Item Available

What's a 1800's Penny Dreadful?
What's a Vinegar Valentine?
What's a Broadside Ballad?