RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

Editor’s Note: Mr. Felz is away at the Miami Beach Antique Show for the next two weeks. With his permission, we are digging into our archives and reposting some oldies but goodies. 

This is kind of a weird item for your expertise and knowledge. My grandfather was a captain with the Jersey City Police Department from the 1930s to the 1950s. Many years ago when he passed, I found this item at his residence. Does it have any value and if so, how much? I enjoyed your article each week and thank you for your time. 

Fred 

Hillsdale, NJ.

 You have an interesting piece of American 20th century history. As you are aware Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious criminals during the Great Depression. In addition to bank robberies and car thefts, it is believed they had murdered nine law enforcement officers and several civilians during their crime spree. In 1934 the pair were ambushed in Louisiana by sheriffs and Texas rangers. They were both killed. An arsenal of weapons were found in their car. Please notice your wanted poster is headed “Division of Investigation”. The FBI was established in 1908, as the Division of Investigation. It wasn’t until 1935 that it was renamed The Federal Bureau of Investigation. Your poster is dated May 21, 1934, just before the name change. Something else, I see there is reddish – brown staining throughout the poster. This is commonly known as foxing. It is basically an age related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning on old paper documents and books. This can only be caused by time and it can not be faked. I am convinced this wanted poster is authentic, not a current reproduction, as many I’ve encountered are. The current value of this wanted poster is $400.00. This poster would also appeal to collectors of police memorabilia. Wanted posters of infamous criminals are highly collected.