TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsJun 19, 2017
Possessions of Infamous American Gangsters Up for Auction
RR Auction’s “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale will include a promise ring Clyde gave to Bonnie and a pocket watch once owned by Al Capone.
At left is Bonnie Parker, one half of the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde. Pictured at right is the promise ring that Clyde Barrow made for her while he was imprisoned.
Boston--Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, Whitey Bulger--you know their names, and soon you could own part of their history as well.
On June 24, Boston-based RR Auction will hold its “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale, featuring a number of items belonging to some America’s most infamous criminals.
One of the most notable items in the sale is a ring Clyde Barrow gave to Bonnie Parker.
Though the duo robbed a number of jewelry stores in their days, this ring is attributed solely to Barrow’s “craftsmanship,” the auction house said.
Just two months after meeting, he was arrested and spent the next two years in prison, where both he and his brother engaged in a number of crafts to pass the time, including jewelry-making, leathercraft and woodworking.
“He must have crafted this ring for her during that period as a sort of ‘promise’ ring. They were never officially engaged,” said Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction.
The ring features a three-headed snake set with faux green and red gemstones. The auction house said it’s likely Barrow--whom historians now know was very artistic--made this ring with a base metal (probably copper) using the lost-wax casting process and then plated it in silver.
The inside of the band contains his personal hallmark--a musical note struck by an arrow. The musical note was incorporated because playing music was one of his favorite pastimes while the arrow could represent his love for Bonnie or be referring to his last name, Barrow.
The ring, recovered in the couple’s 1933 Ford Model B after the “Sowers Raid” in Texas in 1933, is estimated to sell for at least $40,000.
“The ring is an absolutely amazing artifact of enormous significance,” said Livingston. “It is the closest thing Bonnie and Clyde shared between each other to a wedding ring.”
Another highlight in the June 24 sale is the diamond-studded pocket watch (pictured above) once owned by Chicago’s most infamous gangster, Al Capone.
Known to be a well-dressed man, Capone loved flashy suits, large pinky rings and diamonds.
“Unlike his more-maligned moniker of ‘Scarface,’ Capone preferred that those closest to him call him by ‘Snorky,’ a slang term that meant sharp or well dressed,” Livingston said.
The Illinois Watch Company made Capone’s pocket watch. The bezel is set with 72 cut diamonds, and the watch has a platinum face and gold-tone impressed numerals and hands.
The reverse side of the case bears the initials “AC,” comprised of 23 cut diamonds, encircled by an additional 26. The interior contains a 17-jewel movement with gold wheels and jewel cups.
The lot also includes the original 12-inch watch chain made of 14-karat white gold.
Capone’s pocket watch expected to go for $25,000 at RR Auction.
The sale also will include original 1933 Parker and Barrow arrest warrants, a 1934 Barrow signed letter with his fingerprints, Sheriff Schmid’s gold and diamond badge, two death masks of American gangster John Dillinger and James “Whitey” Bulger’s Alfred Dunhill aviator sunglasses.
For the full preview of the auction, visit RRAuction.com.
The lot also includes the original 12-inch watch chain made of 14-karat white gold.
Capone’s pocket watch expected to go for $25,000 at RR Auction.
The sale also will include original 1933 Parker and Barrow arrest warrants, a 1934 Barrow signed letter with his fingerprints, Sheriff Schmid’s gold and diamond badge, two death masks of American gangster John Dillinger and James “Whitey” Bulger’s Alfred Dunhill aviator sunglasses.
For the full preview of the auction, visit RRAuction.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
