Legendary organized crime leader (1902–1983) who headed the notorious “enforcement” syndicate Murder, Inc., which emerged in the early 1930s as successor to the warring Prohibition gangs and the old-line Mafia, and continued to operate into the 1950s. One of Meyer Lansky’s personally-owned and worn hats. Light brown hat, by Dobbs of Fifth Avenue, has a crown which measures approximately 5″ high with a 2.25 x 2 band around the base of the crown. The area under the crown, above the brown leather sweatband, is a silk lining with the “Dobbs Fifth Avenue New York” logo under the top. A brown ribbon tied in a bow is affixed underneath where the sweatband and silk lining meet. Next to it is a 6 7/8 tag. “Dobbs” and “Mayer & Schmidt, Man’s Shop, Tyler” are imprinted in gilt on the brown leather sweatband. Accompanied by a copy of a notarized letter of authenticity from Lansky’s daughter Sandi. Letter reads, in full: “This letter is to serve as a formal document regarding the authenticity of my father’s personal worn item. Vintage hat is made by Dobbs Fifth Avenue New Yrok, [sic] dark brown in color and is size 6 7/8. Hat is in good condition but shows some age. Dated to late 1940’s. Hat is in original condition and comes in a Black and White Stetson box. Box is in good condition but does show age. The top of the box is signed by myself and reads: ‘This hat was worn by my dad Meyer Lansky’ Sandi Lansky.” In overall fine condition.
