1936 Public Enemy #1 – Alvin Karpis of the Ma Barker Gang Arrested Original Press Photo

Alvin Karpis was a Depression-era gangster nicknamed "Creepy" for his sinister smile and called "Ray" by his gang members, was a Canadian-born (naturalized American) criminal of Lithuanian descent known for being a leader of the Barker–Karpis gang in the 1930s. Karpis led the gang along with Fred Barker and Arthur "Doc" Barker. There were only four "public enemies" ever given the title of "Public Enemy #1" by the FBI and he was the only one to be taken alive. The other three, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Baby Face Nelson, were all killed before being captured. He also spent the longest time as a federal prisoner at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, serving twenty-six years.

Offered is a 5.25” x 8” original press photo from 1936 (Associated Press).  Newspaper caption stamped from 1936 pasted to the back reads, “In custody, cowed and manacled, handcuffed and holding his hat before his face, gangster Alvin Karpis, shown after his surrender last night in New Orleans.”

This was such an important arrest; Herbert Hoover flew down to New Orleans to handle this himself.



Item: 12533

Price: $399.00
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1936 Public Enemy #1 – Alvin Karpis of the Ma Barker Gang Arrested Original Press Photo