The Real "Godfather" Carlo Gambino Endorsed Check 1961...

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Apr 13, 2005 for:

Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

The Real "Godfather" Carlo Gambino Endorsed Check 1961 Carlo Gambino (1902-1976) was the boss of New York's most powerful crime family, having taken over after Lucky Luciano was deported to Italy. Mario Puzo based his best-selling book, The Godfather, on him. This is a check, dated December 20, 1961 on the Chase Manhattan Bank for $400.00, made payable to and endorsed by Carlo Gambino. It is on the account of S.G.S. Associates, a labor relations company that he had formed with George Schiller, a Russian-born businessman, and Henry Saltzstein, a convicted burglar - both of whom have signed this check. Gambino's name appeared on the door of the office suite at 141 East 44th Street in Manhattan. The business, one of the few financed by Gambino and registered in his name, flourished until 1965, when constant attention from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies resulted in its closure. "Don Carlo" had an interesting way of avoiding prosecution by the FBI or CIA. Seemingly, every time Gambino neared trial or deportation, he ended up in the hospital with a heart attack or some other problem. Carlo Gambino finally did die of a heart attack while watching the New York Yankees game at his summer home in Long Island in 1976. Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.