LOT #57670 |
Sold on Dec 12, 2009 for: Not Sold
"This is the watch John H. Dillinger had on him when he was killed in Chicago on July 22, 1934" ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
"This is the watch John H. Dillinger had on him when he was killed in Chicago on July 22, 1934" is the beginning of the ink script note written by Frances Helen Dillinger that accompanies this size 12, grade 912, 17 jewel Hamilton pocket watch with gold filled case. The watch was among the items returned to the Dillinger family by the FBI after Dillinger was gunned down outside Chicago's Biograph Theater, July 22, 1934. Other items included his money (offered elsewhere in this auction), gray slacks, white shirt with bullet holes and blood stains (as mentioned previously), shoes, a bullet covered in blood, etc. Frances Helen was present when the items were delivered and has been personally aware of the watch's whereabouts from that date to this. The watch also showed evidence of Dillinger's blood, and John Sr. is known to have taken the watch to a Mooresville jeweler to have it cleaned and repaired sometime prior to 1943, when he presented it to Carl Thompson, Frances Helen's husband. The serial number of the works implies manufacture in 1939 and, although these serial number listings are notoriously inaccurate, prompting disclaimers from the manufacturers, it is possible that, at that time, the movement of the watch was replaced, it being simpler to replace rather than repair a damaged movement, possibly as a result of corrosion from Dillinger's blood. Carl Thompsen carried the watch daily for some thirty five years, when it was replaced with a newer model, again cleaned by a Mooresville jeweler, and placed in a bank safe deposit box where it remained until its consignment to this auction. Runs fine, the original acrylic crystal now somewhat yellow with age, else perfect. Another remarkable Dillinger artifact accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance and lineage from Frances Helen Thompson (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: 8,253
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms