Manuscript DS, signed “A. Capone” and "Frank Cline," one page, 8.5 x 11, March 15, 1930. Prison money transfer document from the end of their bids in Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary, in full: "I, C5527 Alphonse Capone and 5569 Frank Cline direct you, the Warden, to transfer all money on Books in my name to C1476 for his use and this is your authority for so doing." Signed at the conclusion by Al Capone, and countersigned by his bodyguard Frank Cline, also known as 'Frank Rio,' an alleged gunman in the famous 1929 St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Additionally signed in the lower left corner by a witness. In fine condition, with scattered light staining.
On May 16, 1929, Capone and his bodyguard, Frank Cline, were arrested outside a Philadelphia movie theater for carrying concealed weapons. Within 24 hours, they both plead guilty and were sentenced to one year a piece in prison. Some claim that Capone orchestrated the arrest in Philadelphia to avoid repercussions from the St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago, though there is no evidence of that allegation. Both men served the bulk of their time in Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary, and they were released early for good behavior.
This document was signed on their final day in the state prison, evidently transferring money left over on their 'canteen' accounts to a prisoner whom they had befriended. Capone and Cline were then transferred to Graterford on March 16, 1930—a move planned and implemented by Warden Herbert Smith to avoid any potential violence outside of the Philadelphia prison—and the two were released from there the next day. An extraordinary document from Capone's first stint in prison, signed by the Chicago Outfit leader and one of his most trusted men.
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