Mob – orabilia? Collectable Sale!

History buffs and mafia obsessive will soon get their chance to own a piece of history when artifacts owned by some of the most important figures in organized crime go on auction in August.

Julien’s Auctions is set to put up a collection for auction on August 28 that features treasures from some of the most disreputable American criminals of the 20th century, including Al Capone, Bugsey Siegel, Mickey Cohen and many more.

Among the most high profile items going up for auction is a hand-written letter by Al Capone — who earned the nickname ‘Scarface’ — that was sent to his son Albert Francis ‘Sonny’ Capone. It is expected to sell for between $30,000 and $50,000.    In the letter, the mob boss shares details of his time in the maximum security prison, which was closed in 1963 and turned into a tourist landmark. He notes that he had learned how to play a mandola, a stringed instrument, and he says that he looks forward to seeing his family again within a year.

Another letter in the collection was sent by Meyer Lansky to his second wife, Thelma ‘Teddy’ Schwartz in 1948. ($3,000–$5,000) The auction also includes the Medal of Freedom ($40,000–$60,000) that was presented to him in a secret ceremony by President Harry Truman, after Lansky worked with the Sicilian mob to provide information to American forces about Nazi troop locations during WWII.

Mobster Bugsy Siegel, who is credited with help develop the main strip in Las Vegas in the 1940s, is represented in the collection via his personal Smith and Wesson .38 CTG revolver. It’s estimated to sell for between $20,000 and $30,000. He helped get the Flamingo Hotel and Casino up and running, and there’s are ceramic flamingo busts that he gave to guests on opening night.

Black Spartan boxing gloves belong to LA-based crime boss Mickey Cohen are expected to be auction for $10,000–$20,000. He also has jewelry in the auction, including his gold and diamond Star of David ring ($800–$1,200) and his rose gold initial ring ($500–$700).

The items all come from the collection of Jay Bloom, who is the founder of the Las Vegas Mob Experience, which is located at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino.

Here is the full article:   Personal items of America’s “most infamous” mobsters up for auction

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