George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes | Authentic Signature with Certificate of Authenticity | 1930s–1950s
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States
Material: Ink on paper, framed under glass
Period: 20th century (circa 1930s–1950s)
Description
This framed and authenticated signature of George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes (1900–1954) offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a genuine relic from America’s Prohibition and gangster era. Measuring 31 inches wide by 22 inches high, the autograph is professionally framed for preservation and display, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by a forensic document examiner.
Features
- Authentic signature of George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes
- Certificate of Authenticity from a forensic document examiner
- Professionally framed and preserved under glass for display
Cultural & Historical Significance
Machine Gun Kelly became infamous during the Prohibition era as a bootlegger, bank robber, and kidnapper, cementing his reputation through the 1933 abduction of oil tycoon Charles F. Urschel. His name, tied forever to the Thompson submachine gun, symbolizes the violent rise of organized crime during America’s “Public Enemy” years. After his arrest and conviction, Kelly spent his remaining years incarcerated at Alcatraz and other federal prisons, becoming part of FBI legend.
This piece embodies not only Kelly’s personal notoriety but also a pivotal era of American law enforcement, marked by high-profile FBI manhunts and the downfall of organized crime figures who dominated the early 20th century.
Condition
Excellent presentation condition. Signature remains strong and legible; frame shows only minor handling wear consistent with age.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 22 in
Width: 31 in
Age
Mid-20th century (signed during Kelly’s lifetime, 1900–1954)
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States
Material: Ink on paper, framed under glass
Period: 20th century (circa 1930s–1950s)
Description
This framed and authenticated signature of George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes (1900–1954) offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a genuine relic from America’s Prohibition and gangster era. Measuring 31 inches wide by 22 inches high, the autograph is professionally framed for preservation and display, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by a forensic document examiner.
Features
- Authentic signature of George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes
- Certificate of Authenticity from a forensic document examiner
- Professionally framed and preserved under glass for display
Cultural & Historical Significance
Machine Gun Kelly became infamous during the Prohibition era as a bootlegger, bank robber, and kidnapper, cementing his reputation through the 1933 abduction of oil tycoon Charles F. Urschel. His name, tied forever to the Thompson submachine gun, symbolizes the violent rise of organized crime during America’s “Public Enemy” years. After his arrest and conviction, Kelly spent his remaining years incarcerated at Alcatraz and other federal prisons, becoming part of FBI legend.
This piece embodies not only Kelly’s personal notoriety but also a pivotal era of American law enforcement, marked by high-profile FBI manhunts and the downfall of organized crime figures who dominated the early 20th century.
Condition
Excellent presentation condition. Signature remains strong and legible; frame shows only minor handling wear consistent with age.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 22 in
Width: 31 in
Age
Mid-20th century (signed during Kelly’s lifetime, 1900–1954)
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