Lot 557 email save

BARROW, CLYDE

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557. CLYDE BARROW (1909 - 1934) American gangster and founder of the "Bonnie and Clyde" gang, with Bonnie Parker he terrorized the Southwest for four years, robbing banks and stores and gunning down thirteen civilians and lawmen along the way. A third member of the gang, Henry Methvin, tired of his life on the run, betrayed the duo to Texas Ranger Frank Hamer and plans were made to trap the pair. On May 23, 1934 Hamer and his Rangers prepared an ambush at Gibland, Louisiana and as Barrow and Parker passed in their car, they were riddled in a hail of gunfire. Exceptionally rare typed D.S. "Clyde Barrow" in pencil, 1p. 4to., typed by Barrow while on the run from the law. In full: "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I know Frank Hardy, having been with him on several occasions prior to 1930. Since I was paroled by Gov. Ross Sterling of Texas, Frank has not been associated with me in any manner. He is not now nor has he ever been a member of what is referred to by the news papers and public as `The Barrow Gang'. I have not seen Frank Hardy since leaving the Eastham Farm of the Texas Prison System. That all may know that I have made this statement I am affixing here my signature and fingerprints. Clyde Barrow". At the bottom of the page, Barrow has placed nine large black ink fingerprints, most of which remain very distinct. On October 16, 1929 Barrow had been arrested with Hardy and another wanted man at the Roosevelt Hotel in Waco, Texas. Weeping before the Chief of Police, Barrow claimed that Hardy and his accomplice had picked him up while hitchhiking and he was unaware of their reputations. Barrow's con worked, and he was released. Here, five years later and with Barrow's gang wanted across several states, Barrow repays Hardy's silence before the law by helping relieve the heat that had come down on Hardy and indeed all those ever associated with Barrow. A great historic letter from the last year of Barrow's life, in very good condition. Presented in a leather and marbled paper presentation folder bearing a photo of Barrow within. This same letter fetched $23,200 in our September, 1996 sale.$15,000-20,000

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