LOT #57675 |
Sold on Dec 12, 2009 for: Not Sold
John Dillinger Owned and Worn Wool Two-piece Hunting Suit, used by Him while at the Little Bohemia Lodge, Prior to the Dramati...
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Description
John Dillinger Owned and Worn Wool Two-piece Hunting Suit, used by Him while at the Little Bohemia Lodge, Prior to the Dramatic Shootout with the FBI, and Returned to His Family by the FBI. In April 1934, seeking refuge after the St. Paul, Minnesota shootout, and the Herculean efforts to track him down on the part of both local law enforcement, along with the FBI, having leaped at the opportunity to join the case after Dillinger crossed state lines subsequent to his escape from Crown Point, the Dillinger "gang" sought safe haven at the Little Bohemia hunting lodge in northern Wisconsin. It is likely Dillinger chose this location because his attorney, Louis Piquet, was familiar to the inn's owner. The "guests" arrived on April 20, with Dillinger paying the innkeeper $500 for a three day stay (the equivalent to about $6000 in today's money). It was not long, however, until the innkeeper and his wife became suspicious of their benevolent guests (the shoulder holsters and waist guns being an obvious anomaly) and, despite efforts on the part of the gang to prevent it, were able to notify the FBI of Dillinger's presence. Meanwhile, for three relatively carefree days the gang, along with the innkeeper's family engaged in target shooting, card playing, etc. (and it was during this period that Dillinger wore his new "hunting suit"), meanwhile carefully planning an escape route if their presence was discovered.At 4:00 AM on the morning of April 23, the FBI, led by FBI Assistant Director Hugh Clegg assisted by Melvin Purvis, and law enforcement personnel surrounded the lodge. The plan, however, was doomed from the start when around 4:00 AM, three patrons leaving the Little Bohemia bar, were mistaken for gang members and nervous FBI agents opened fire on their car, killing one and seriously wounded the other two. The gunfire, of course, alerted the Dillinger party to the raid and they promptly returned fire. In the ensuing confusion, Dillinger, and all the others, were able to escape, making use of their carefully laid earlier plans. Only "Baby Face Nelson" encountered the surrounding law enforcement dragnet, gunning down three of them who were foolish enough to confront him. In the end the botched, embarrassing FBI raid only served to make J. Edgar Hoover more determined to annihilate the gang, with the final result being Dillinger's death at the hands of the FBI two months later.
The hunting suit is in about perfect condition, cared for by the Dillinger family since its return by the FBI shortly after the incident. The suit was purchased by Dillinger in Chicago, on his way to the Little Bohemia rendezvous. Heavy red and blue/black wool plaid, with tan wool felt lining. Zipper front and metal snap closures on the breast pockets, with black silk embroidered label of "Van Longerke & Antoine/ Chicago, Ill/ Just for Sport". Interestingly this firm was well known for their association with Chicago gangland personalities, supplying arms, ammunition, equipment and clothing to some of the most notorious figures of the era. The breeches, which are reinforced at the thighs and seat, exhibit the same label, with an additional label from Woolrich, listing the size as 34 and the Woolrich lot number. Belt loops and suspender buttons, both zipper and shoestring tie closures at the ankle/calf. Accompanied by a detailed letter of lineage and provenance from Frances Helen Thompson (Dillinger). A remarkable artifact from one of the most dramatic and violent incidents in the almost mythical criminal career of John Dillinger.
For more information on the history of this Dillinger lot, please click here.
Auction Info
2009 December Signature Arms & Militaria Including Civil War Auction #6021 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2009
12th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 7,242
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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