Description:

(BARKER-KARPIS GANG) ARTHUR 'DOC' BARKER
ARTHUR 'DOC' BARKER (1899 – January 13, 1939) American criminal, the son of Ma Barker and a member of the Barker-Karpis gang, founded by his brother Fred Barker and Alvin Karpis. Barker was typically called on for violent action, while Fred and Karpis planned the gang's crimes. He was convicted of kidnapping in 1935 and sent to Alcatraz where he was killed in 1936 while attempting to escape. Barker is described by one writer as 'a dimwit and a drunk', who was not much more than a brutal thug. However, fellow Alcatraz inmate Henri Young said of him that he was 'determined and ruthless, and that once he started on anything nothing could stop him but death.' An excessively rare, fine content and association A.L.S. 'Arthur Barker' with 'Barker' appearing again at the top of the first page, 4pp. 8vo., [n.p., n.d. but undoubtedly 1934 while incarcerated and awaiting trial for kidnapping], in pencil to his father George Elias Barker. George had left Ma Barker in 1928 following the death of their son Herman and the imprisonment of his other sons, but it now seems remained close to at least Arthur. Startling content in which Arthur steers his estranged father to Bremer kidnap money held in a Chicago bank, hoping his father will withdraw it and use it top support himself and Barker's brother Lloyd. Through the entire text there is a strong feeling of remorse and a need for acceptance from his father. He writes, in small part: '...I wanted you to have your lawyer to look after...some money that is in a Bank in Chicago. And I also had another party to write you also...[She] will be abel to help you out in some things later on. She will keep in touch with you...What I was trying to tell you was for your benefit and Loyd's [Lloyd Barker, his criminal brother] the Bremers [the family of Barker's kidnap victim, Edward Bremer] are sending[?] me for some money in Chicago that is in a safety deposit box it belong to Mother and Fred [Barker] and I want you and loyd to have it. They seem to think it is mine...Just write my attorney...write me at the county jail or write my lawyer...I was just looking out for your and loyd interest...I know dad I have caused you a lot of worry and grief in my days and I am sorry for it I don't care for myself for I got in to the trouble and I will take it with out a Beef. So By By Dad your son as ever if you will permit me to say that...' A few trivial stains, else very good to fine. An incredibly rare letter with astounding content!

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June 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000