New York Mafia boss (1897-1962) instrumental in the development of organized crime in the US; he was responsible for splitting the Mafia into five different crime families. Crisp ballpoint signature, “Lucky Luciano,” on a 3.75 x 2.5 suggestion card for the San Francisco Night Club in Naples, Italy. The reverse of the card bears informational text, “Located at Piazza Municipio, 7, Phone 320.410, Near the Fleet Landing / When you leave your club, we will be waiting for you at the San Francisco / American style music every night, floor show nightly, enjoy the American atmosphere.” In fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, in part: “I met Mr. Luciano myself and obtained this autograph myself when I was a sailor with the USN circa 1959. My friend took me to see him and we met him at the California Bar where we asked him for a suggestion of a good bar to go to. He suggested the San Francisco bar in Naples and gave us this pass. I have corresponding information providing I was in Naples at this time, a noted period of time that Luciano spent in Naples after being deported. He dressed like a businessman in a suit. Very well dressed and very sophisticated. He talked to us for 15 minutes and asked about ourselves and where we were from. He made us feel very comfortable and was a true gentleman. My friend said he was a gangster but I had never heard of him. Later, watching a TV show called the ‘Untouchables’ I heard his name mentioned. I was startled and ran to my room to get the signature. It scared the daylights out of me.” Also accompanied by the aforementioned corresponding information, a strategic plotting chart of the Mediterranean Sea. The Bureau of Narcotics believed that Luciano owned and used the San Francisco Bar and Grill for various smuggling operations, wisely employing Frankie ‘Skeets’ Culla to front the popular nightclub. Deriving from the time of his exile, this is a boldly signed and unusual format from the Italian Mafioso, a figure who remains exceedingly rare and sought-after.
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