Incredibly scarce DS, signed “Ben Siegel,” one page both sides, 10.5 x 8, April 18, 1947. Nevada Project Corporation stock certificate issued to Louis I. Pokrass for “75 shares of the Common Stock of the Nevada Project Corporation.” Signed at the conclusion as the corporation’s president by Siegel, and countersigned by N. Joseph Ross as the corporation’s secretary. Ross was Siegel's Beverly Hills Attorney and represented him, in return becoming one of the principal officers of the Flamingo Hotel. Reverse of the certificate is signed by Porkass and Siegel’s New York connection Walter R. Mansfield. Elaborately double suede matted and framed with a color copy of the reverse of the certificate, as well as a descriptive plaque, a portrait of Siegel, and two images of the Flamingo, to an overall size of 30.25 x 39. In very good condition, with several vertical folds, one through a single letter of signature, and scattered staple holes. Document originates from the Louis Pokrass estate.
Louis I. Pokrass was the Vice President of the Nevada Project Corporation and one of four Directors of the Flamingo Hotel. He was closely associated with the Hotel venture and keenly connected to the Costello-Siegel-Lansky group, as well as a member of Murder, Inc. On June 20, 1946, Siegel formed the Nevada Project Corporation of California, naming himself president. He was also the largest principal stockholder in the operation, which defined everyone else merely as shareholders and William Wilkerson, who had leased the El Rancho Hotel became the legitimate front for Siegel. Wilkerson was eventually coerced into selling all stakes in the Flamingo under threat of death, and went into hiding in Paris. From that point on the Flamingo became syndicate-run.
