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Lot #1016
Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Archive

Estimate: $2500+
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Description

Archive of materials related to the 1932 kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby from the collection of Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., chief of the New Jersey State Police who investigated the so-called 'crime of the century.' The highlight is a pocket notebook written in an unknown hand, apparently that of one of the investigators, recording various aspects of the case: "March 1: Chas. A. Lindbergh Jr. kidnapped from his crib at home in Hopewell N.J., a ransom note asking for $50,000.00 left in nursery on window sill," "March 2: 11:00 AM Gangster Sqd Serg't W. T. Moffatt…assigned to the Lindbergh kidnapping investigation at Hopewell," "March 29: A total of 14 ransom letters received from kidnappers by Col. Lindbergh, Col. Breckenridge, & Dr. John F. Condon," "April 2: Dr. John F. Condon…payed $50,000/00 in 5, 10, & 20 bills to 'John' one of the kidnapping gang, at cemetery in New York, Bronx," "April 26: Lieut. Sweeney & Det. H. Strong released from Lindbergh investigation by Col. H. N. Schwarzkopf & returned to Newark," "May 12: Chas A. Lindbergh, Jr., body found in woods on Hopewell Princeton, 2:45 PM identification made by Insp. Walsh, Lt. Keaton, Sgt. Moffatt," "June 10: Violet Sharp committed suicide at Morrow estate, Englewood," and "June 27: John Hughes Curtis trial at Flemington, N.J., before Judge Robbins."

Other items include a booklet published by the Charleston National Bank containing the "complete list of the numbers on the currency received by the Lindbergh Kidnapers"; an original 9.5 x 16 "wanted" poster calling for "information as to the whereabouts of Chas. A. Lindbergh, Jr.," featuring two images of the child; an original Newark police "Gangster Squad" business card; six empty mailing envelopes addressed to the Lindberghs, postmarked in the spring of 1932, which presumably contained letters offering good wishes or condolences; nine original vintage photographs, ranging in size from 4.25 x 2.5 to 10 x 8, depicting the Lindbergh home (called 'Highfields'), members of the Newark police department, Charles Lindbergh, the Lindberghs' new home in England, and two family photos; a postcard showing Lindbergh with the Spirit of St. Louis; an Oregon Journal newspaper from March 6, 1932, with a huge front-page story on the kidnapping: "Col. and Mrs. Lindbergh Appeal for Safe Return of Their Baby"; and two booklets by Gabriel Heatter about the Hauptmann trial, "Resume Book of the Flemington Trial" and "Word Pictures of the Hauptmann Trial." In overall very good to fine condition. From the collection of David Gainsborough-Roberts.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Remarkable Rarities
  • Dates: #566 - Ended September 20, 2019