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Lot #176
Lee Harvey Oswald

Key used to uncuff the assassin as he arrived for processing

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Description

Key used to uncuff the assassin as he arrived for processing

Handcuff key used to unlock Lee Harvey Oswald’s cuffs at the Dallas City Jail on November 22, 1963. Key measures 1.5″ long and was used by Dallas Police Assistant Jailor Henry Ellison to unlock the handcuffs after Oswald’s arrival. Accompanied by a 1998 letter of provenance from Ellison, which states, in part: “This was my personal handcuff key that I used to unlock the handcuffs that were holding Lee Harvey Oswald when he arrived at the Dallas City Jail on the fifth floor November 22, 1963…I was on duty working as an assistant Jailer of the Service Division of the Dallas Police Department. Lee Harvey Oswald was captured at the Texas Theatre…I searched him, and unlocked the handcuffs that he had on with this key.” The key and the letter are matted and framed along with a photo of Oswald in handcuffs and a copy of Ellison’s Dallas Police Department identification to an overall size of 26 x 18.5. In fine condition. A remarkable relic with direct relation to Oswald immediately after his arrest and impressive provenance. RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #418 - Ended November 13, 2013