1934 R37 "Crime Did Not Pay" Card

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1934 R37 "Crime Did Not Pay" Card – Alvin Karpis

Absurdly rare sample card from a series featuring then-modern day criminals issued in approximately 1936. The nation's attention was captivated by the careers of famous criminals in this era. It is not known exactly what manufacturer issued this series, but apparently the set did not captivate the attention of many collectors, as today literally only a handful of examples are known to exist. Some advanced collectors consider this set to be the single most elusive non-sport sample card of the 1930s. Cards from the set measure an unusual 2.5 x 2.5 inches. Offered is Alvin Karpis, who, as the reverse tells us, was accused of many crimes, including the murder of Sheriff C.R. Kelly, killing A.W. Dunlap (father-in-law of Fred Barker), the slaying Kansas City politician John Lazia, and participating in a Kansas City massacre in which a federal agent, 3 policemen and fellow gangster Frank Nash died. You really had to earn yourself a place in this exclusive set. Fortunately, we learn that Karpis was captured in New Orleans by 15 federal agents led by J. Edgar Hoover on May 1, 1936 in front of his apartment at 3343 Canal Street. The legend at the bottom of the card reads boldly "Again Crime did not pay" and adds "Reward For the capture of Dillinger" who apparently was still on the lam, though not for long, when the set was issued. A hint of corner wear, very clean both front and back, overall Excellent condition. Reserve $100. Estimate $200/$400.