Uncommon original vintage 7.5 x 8 photographic fingerprint card for "George Nelson," depicting his mug shot and ten finger prints, with text describing his escape from Illinois State Penitentiary: "Escaped while being returned from a writ, February 17th, 1932. Subject was received at the institution on July 17th, 1931, from Cook County, charge of robbery, etc., 1 to life. He is 23 years old, 5' 4 3/4" tall, weighs 1333 lbs., light complected, light chestnut hair, eyes yellow with green slate…Please use your best efforts to capture this escape and communicate at my expense." Stamped "Indexed" at the top, with several ballpoint annotations. In fine condition.
Lester Gillis, pseudonym George Nelson, was given the nickname 'Baby Face' because of his small stature and youthful appearance. A notorious kidnapper and bank robber in the 1930s, he killed both lawmen and innocent bystanders without distinction. As the FBI's Public Enemy Number One, Nelson would be killed in his final shootout on November 27, 1934, at the age of 25.
