Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #219
J. Edgar Hoover

“The fingerprint files of the FBI reveal a potential criminal army of six million individuals”

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

“The fingerprint files of the FBI reveal a potential criminal army of six million individuals”

Typed statement, one page, 8 x 10.5, FBI letterhead, December 6, 1946. Statement regarding widespread crime in the United States. In part: “The fingerprint files of the FBI reveal a potential criminal army of six million individuals who have been arrested for offenses more serious than traffic violations—one out of twenty-three inhabitants in the United States…More Americans will be murdered during the next generation than lost their lives from enemy gunfire in World War II. Within the span of their lifetime one hundred million citizens of this country can look forward to the unpleasant experience of becoming victims of crime…Respect for law, personal liberty, life and property must be preached, taught and practiced. There must be a veritable ‘crusade’ against crime.” Included is a TLS to Mrs. Ulysses Grant McQueen, a transmittal letter for the statement, also signed by Hoover. Intersecting folds, the vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature, a paperclip impression to the top, and mild scattered creases and soiling, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Hoover oversaw the expansion and centralization of fingerprint files, leading the New York Times to call the FBI a ‘world clearing house for identifying criminals.’ Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: November Monthly
  • Dates: #395 - Ended November 14, 2012





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $35.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.