Lot 1694

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

JAMES EARL RAY WANTED POSTER
Rare original wanted poster, 10 1/4" x 16", issued by the FBI on April 19, 1968, seeking information leading to the arrest of JAMES EARL RAY (1928-1998), the assassin of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. on charges of "Civil Rights - Conspiracy - Interstate Flight - Robbery". This poster, identified as "Wanted Flyer 442-A", was circulated thirteen days after the assassination, and two days after the creation of an initial poster seeking Ray under an alias. It prints two photographs of Ray taken in 1960, as well as a headshot of Ray in a tuxedo taken 1968, with his eyes added by an artist. The poster goes on to list nine aliases used by Ray, including Eric Starvo Galt, the name under which he was initially sought by the FBI. It further lists his supposed age, place of birth, physical features, employment as a "Baker, color matcher, laborer", distinguishing scars and marks, and several other known facts about the suspect ("...reportedly is a lone wolf; allegedly attended dance instruction school; has reportedly completed course in bartending...") it further lists his fingerprint classification and his criminal record. Below this appears the warning: "Ray is sought in connection with a murder wherein the victim was shot. Consider armed and extremely dangerous," with a statement that a warrant was issued in Birmingham on the date this poster was circulated, and a second warrant issued in Missouri in 1967 for interstate flight in connection with a robbery. The facsimile signature of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover appears at the conclusion, and the address of each FBI office in the country appears on the verso. The verso also bears the printed address of the postmaster of North Wilbraham, Massachusetts, where this poster was intended to be displayed. It shows some damp stains overall, else very good. By the time this poster would have been circulated, Ray had fled to Toronto, where he would remain until June before travelling to London, only to be arrested at Heathrow airport while trying to enter the country using a forged passport. Also present is the November 12, 1968 edition of "Look" magazine, featuring a front-page article on Ray and the assassination of King. Two pieces.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

April 18, 2018 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 28% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$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 + $10,000