Fascinating collection of NYPD reports and documents related to Communist meetings and events, dated from throughout the 1930s. Canevari had gone undercover as “Gene Malatesta” in order to infiltrate these meetings and make reports. Consists of over 50 pieces (many original carbon copies), primarily typed police reports and anonymous tips, a few booklets and documents in Russian, and Canevari’s Communist Party of the U. S. A booklet identifying him by his undercover name “Gene Malatesta.” One report references a ceremony for Steve Katovis, a communist killed during a demonstration, in part: “The body is draped in a Red Flag marked Communist Party…There are three pictures at the head of the coffin one of which is Lenin.” Another report, in part: “Speakers dwelt on for all the workers to join the International Labor Defense.” A complaint report, in part: “Try to know who really is the gentleman…Pierto Certo…arrived in this country with a false American Passport under another name. To day is a very dangerous Anarchist and a big Bottlegger [sic].” Another report, in part: “The International Anarchistic element may attempt some terroristic act at the forth coming wedding between H. R. H. Prince Humbert of Italy and Princess Marie Jose of Belgium.” In overall fine condition, with expected document wear. Provenance: Eugene Canevari Collection. RR Auction COA.
