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Sale 94
Manuscript & Collectibles Auction
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Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 40 |
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Lansky, Meyer. (1902-83) Polish-born American organized crime figure who, along with Charles "Lucky" Luciano, was instrumental in the development of the "National Crime Syndicate" in the United States. He developed a gambling empire in the U.S. and Cuba and was known as the "Mob's Accountant." Autograph letter signed ("Meyer"), 3 separate pages,10½ x 7", no place, May 9, 1976. To his friend Joseph Sheiner, "Yushki," a member of the Israeli Security Agency, and his family, referring to being deported back to the U.S. from Israel (where he had fled in 1970 to escape Federal tax evasion charges) because of his criminal past.
"The decision will not change my interest toward Israel…." He excoriates the Israeli politicians who insisted that he leave "for the good of Israel" and says "they will have to seek forgiveness in their sinful failure. These religious bastards (Mr. Burg and that bitch of a woman [Prime Minister Golda Meir?]) who gave me the pass-port…they didn't lose anytime in turning me over to the press and police." He adds bitterly, "The World is quick to forget the cruelist sins of nations and religions only one remains unforgiveable beng born a Jew. I'm sure the (Jew haters) are already at work at publicity to condemn all Jews because of a few Jews dealing in narcotics that they no doubt bought from an Arab or a Christian. We have no apologies to make Christians or anyone else because of a wrong of one Jew….we still immunized them against the most terrible diseases. We also delivered much more than our share to science. We also gave them the Atomic Bomb to blow themselves up with….As things are moving now I see a bad future….Only the youth can change not us old people….Me I'm still kept busy with subpoenas…." Matted with an image of Lansky and a biographical plaque and framed to an overall size of 20½ x 42¼". Fine condition and ready for display. $3,000 - 5,000
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| Unsold |
Lot 41 |
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Capone, Alphonse. (1899-1947). American gangster during Prohibition whose power in Chicago has been the subject of countless films, television productions, and books. Following the infamous Valentine's Day Massacre, Capone became "Public Enemy No.1" and was successfully brought to justice on grounds of tax evasion. Offered here is an autographed dinner menu, signed "Al Capone" from the former Roney Plaza Hotel in Miami Beach, which was opened in 1926 on Collins Ave., then torn down in 1968. Capone and family resided on Palm Island from 1927 - 1948 in a Mediterranean styled mansion. Based on the prices we estimate the menu and signature to be from the middle to late 1930s. Signature is executed in brown fountain pen ink in top left corner across the name of the hotel. Signature is very legible. Menu measures 7½ x 5" clean save for light toning due to age and was decades ago, twice folded but in no way a distraction. $1,000
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| Realized
$1,625 |
Lot 42 |
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Hardin, John Wesley. (1853-95) Texas' most notorious outlaw and gunslinger who claimed to have killed 42 men when he was sent to prison in 1878. His victims included federal soldiers and state police, who were often pursuing him. Hardin studied law during the 16 years he was in prison, but could not abide the law after being released. He moved to El Paso where he took back up his worst habits. On August 19, 1895, he was playing dice with grocer H.S. Brown in the Acme Saloon when Constable John Selman walked in and shot Hardin in the back of the head.
Signature ("John W. Hardin") cut from a document, a bit of which can be seen on the verso, n.p., n.d. Fine. $1,500 - 2,000
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| Realized
$938 |
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