A series of documents relating to the Lindbergh kidnapping sold for $4,375 at Lyon & Turnbull in Philadelphia on February 17.
The set originally belonged to Mickey Rosner, a key player in the drama.
The lot included a facsimile of the original ransom letter
Charles Arthur Lindbergh jr, the 20-month-old son of aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh, was kidnapped from the family home in New Jersey in March 1932.
A ransom letter was delivered, demanding money for his safe return.
At the time Lindbergh senior was perhaps the most famous person on the planet.
The case was an enormous sensation.
It’s still referred to as the Crime of the Century.
Numerous people came forward to offer help to the Lindberghs, including Rosner – a small time criminal who offered help mediating with underworld figures.
The collection includes a facsimile copy of the ransom note, a letter from Rosner to Mrs Lindbergh alleging the involvement of two of her servants, and a further anonymous letter suggesting Rosner himself could be involved.
If offers an insight into the enormous complexity of the case.
Sadly things didn’t end well. Charles jr was found dead in May and a German-American carpenter named Richard Hauptmann was convicted of his abduction and murder.
We have a signed piece of Lindbergh’s Spirit of St Louis for sale.
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