September 10th Rare Autographs, Books and Sports
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2020
Letter from (“Mickey”, also signed "Meyer Harris Cohen" with prisnor # "14738"), handwritten written in red ink to “Voy” (Lieut.Voy Kay of the Los Angeles Police Department) on (8 x 10.5 in.; 203 x 266 mm.) lined notebook paper. Dated from 4 August 1969 . Accompanied by original transmittal envelope. Letter exhibits typical folds and handling.
While serving time in a federal penitentiary, notorious gangster Mickey Cohen befriends an LAPD police officer.
The letter shares friendly concern for Voy’s family and appreciation for his sending Los Angeles newspaper stories relating to Cohen. He also discusses issues on his deteriorating health.A few excerpts:
" I have been going out to the (prison) yard (and doing some walking out there)with my cane only. And getting out, and getting some outside fresh air, and some sun, has made me feel a bit better..."
Meyer Harris “Mickey” Cohen (1913 – 1976) was a gangster based in Los Angeles and part of the Jewish Mafia who also had strong ties to the American Mafia from the 1930s through the 1960s. Originally from Brooklyn, his family moved to L.A. where he began boxing in illegal prizefights and he moved to Cleveland in 1929 to train and fight as a professional boxer until 1933. During Prohibition, Cohen moved to Chicago and became involved in organized crime working as an enforcer for the Chicago Outfit, where he briefly met Al Capone. In 1939 Cohen was sent to Los Angeles by Meyer Lansky to work under Bugsy Siegel. During their association, Cohen helped set up the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, running its sports book operation and was also instrumental in setting up the race wire, which was essential to Vegas betting. Mickey Cohen has been portrayed in modern film and television numerous times, including Bugsy, L.A. Confidential,The Black Dahlia, Gangster Squad and Mob City.
Five years prior, Cohen was attacked by a crazed inmate with a lead pipe which left him partially paralyzed. Cohen remarked, “It was some lunatic, never knew him, never saw him. Can you imagine them putting some lunatic in there with normal people?” He sued the government for $10 million, and was awarded more than $100,000 – although this was promptly seized by the IRS for back taxes. Cohen material is uncommon; this full ALS document is a significant find.With One Of A Kind Collectibles COA.
Click above for larger image.