LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 NOV Political & Americana Mem. #672  / 

25244

John Herbert Dillinger FBI Wanted Poster 1934

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:175.00 USD Estimated At:350.00 - 450.00 USD
John Herbert Dillinger FBI Wanted Poster 1934
<B>John Herbert Dillinger FBI Wanted Poster,</B></I> 9” x 16”, issued under orders of J. Edgar Hoover, June 23, 1934. The poster offers a reward of $10,000 for the capture of Dillinger and $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. A few tears under the photograph and minor staining, else near fine.<BR><BR>Dillinger (1903-1934) was an American bank robber, considered by some to be a dangerous criminal, while others idealized him as a latter-day Robin Hood. He gained this reputation (and the nickname "Jackrabbit") for his graceful movements during bank heists, such as leaping over the counter (a movement he supposedly copied from the movies) and narrow getaways from police.<BR><BR>Dillinger was first arrested in 1924 for mugging a prominent grocer. He was convicted and sentenced to 10-20 years in prison despite having no prior criminal record. Dillinger served time at the Indiana state penitentiary, until 1933, when he was paroled. Within four months, he was back in jail in Lima, Ohio, but the gang sprang him, killing the sheriff in the process. Dillinger was captured again by the end of the year. He was to face trial for the suspected killing of a police officer during a bank hold up, some time after his escape from jail.<BR><BR>On March 3, 1934, Dillinger escaped from the "escape-proof" Crown Point, Indiana county jail which was guarded by many police and national guardsmen. Newspapers reported that Dillinger had escaped using a wooden gun blackened with shoe polish. Driving across the Indiana-Illinois state line in a stolen vehicle, Dillinger violated a federal law prompting the issuance of this wanted poster.<BR><BR>On July 22, 1934, Dillinger attended the film <I>Manhattan Melodrama</B></I> in Chicago with his girlfriend. When they exited the theater that night, FBI agents opened fire on Dillinger. Struck three times, John Dillinger died without saying a word.<BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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