[Dillinger, John]
Washington, D.C.: Department of Investigation, 1934. Wanted Poster, June 23, 1934. Archivally framed, w/ backing paper and hanging hardware. Poster not examined out of frame, presumed authentic. Visually stunning and an important artifact of American "mobster" lore. One of several issued by the Department of Investigation, under the guidance of the unfathomable J. Edgar Hoover, including some detailing the man's fingerprints, and all posters have been notoriously reprinted over the years. An original, the issue identical to this issue, did show up and sold in 2008 for nearly $4,000, and the legend of the infamous thief has been no less tarnished by spurious reprints of the Wanted posters. Dillinger, who died one month after this poster for his capture was issued, made his living robbing banks and police stations. Yes, police stations. He was eventually tracked to a movie theatre where he was shot and killed, having just finished watching a gangster film. His capture was to be awarded $10,000, which in today's economy would be about $180,000. (note: today's most wanted criminals can fetch one million dollars). Frame measures 14.25 x 21.5 inches, 2-inch off-white mat. Poster appears Very Good plus, or 6/10, with no noticeable tears, but moderately stained, wavy, tiny foxing, and a small corner crease.  [Book ID: 125631]  [Posters]