2174

Black Hand Extortion Letters

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Black Hand Extortion Letters

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2013 Jun 19 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Black Hand was a method of extortion that involved sending a letter to the victim, usually threatening severe harm unless a certain amount of money was delivered to a specific place. Two similar handwritten letters in Italian, signed “Nero Mano [Black Hand],” each one page, 6.75 x 8.5, Western Union letterhead, no date but postmarked February 27 and 28, 1930. Both letters feature sketches of menacing black hands, and mention “Genovese.” Accompanied by both original mailing envelopes. Also includes five typed translations of other similar letters (most on NYPD letterhead), and four evidence photos of Black Hand letters. One translation, in part: “Dear damn fool and stupid is what you are, if you don’t do what you are supposed to do…we will show death with your own eyes…every day you will have a surprise when you least expect it.” In overall fine condition. An incredible window into the methods used by mobsters at the height of their power. Provenance: Eugene Canevari Collection.