Description:

MEYER LANSKY
(1902 - 1983) Mafia "founding father" and accounting genius, close friend and associate of "Lucky" Luciano, Joe Adonis, "Bugsy" Siegel and Albert Anatasia, involved in nationwide rackets whose profits he laundered through legitimate businesses. He fled to Israel to avoid prosecution in 1970, but was denied citizenship after a long court battle and returned to the U.S. on Nov. 7, 1972 where he was arrested aboard the airplane to face trial. He would be acquitted of all charges in 1974, but spent the interim, and the rest of his life fighting for Israeli citizenship. Lot of three autograph letters, two unsigned, one signed "Meyer", 7pp. total, 8vo., [Miami], Dec. 29, 1973, Apr. 30, 1974 and undated, to his friend Joseph (Yoskeh) Sheiner, a member of the Israeli Security Agency and Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's director of security in the 1960s. Sheiner accompanied Lansky on his famous 36 hour flight seeking asylum and secretly tried to obtain him asylum in Paraguay. Some excellent content, in part: "...Do I understand you clearly that the rotten little Jew came back to look for money from Joe...I had a few Israeli visitors. Azriel sent a gift with one...Azriel wanted to know if I gave the $5000.00 to settle that matter to anyone in Israel to give to him...I do like for you to give him the $5000.00 from my money that you have...At present, I'm appealing the 1 yr. sentence...which will [take] another 8 to 10 months, the Vegas case I doubt I will be tried on that case at all. I sure would like to go back to Israel...Do you recollect what I said on the plane: 'They don't want me alive, I may go dead'. Find out where [Federal Judge] Shapiro's grave is and see about buying a plot for me next to his...that little weasel was there?...I hope I have the pleasure of seeing that bastard some day...health is most important for us old boys...This is a meaningful year for me as a Jew and my personal problem. A lot has passed me by. Nov. 6 [the anniversary of his arrest] I had a drink to you and I...I haven't heard from your friend. I will be here just waiting to argue my appeal...the decision will take about 2 mos. then appeal to higher court...That crook ([Israeli Judge]Shapiro) should resign. He should go with his friend [John] Mitchell...learn how to bake doughnuts because I intend to be back in Israel...I will be your best customer...". File holes in one margin, else fine.

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September 11, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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