Notorious gangster (1891–1957) best known as the primary Chicago rival of Al Capone, who attempted to wipe out Moran and his men during the bloody St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. Though a number of Moran’s associates were slaughtered, Moran narrowly eluded the bloodbath and managed to retain control of his territory through the end of Prohibition. Arrested in 1946 in connection with a relatively meager $10,000 robbery, Moran spent most of the remainder of his life in prison. Depleted of his once-considerable fortune—his net worth at the time of death was estimated at $100—Moran died of lung cancer at Leavenworth Federal Penitientiary on February 25, 1957. Scarce self-contained partial DS, signed “George Moran,” one page, 8 x 3.5, November 28, 1938. In full: “George Moran being first duly sworn, states that he has read the above and foregoing petition, signed by him, and that the same is true except for those matters stated by him to be upon information and belief, and that as to those matters this affiant states that he believes them to be true.” On November 28, 1938, the Chicago Daily Tribune reported in an article headlined “Moran to Face Trial as Forger of Bonds Today” that Moran was “scheduled to go to trial this morning before Judge Robert Jerome Dunne in the Criminal court on charges of forgery…. The case may be delayed by motions by defense attorneys, it was indicated. Ten men were named as defendants in the forgery conspiracy, which had as its object the flooding of the country with thousands of spurious American Express travelers checks and New York Central railroad bonds…” The trial opened on January 4, 1939. While the press referred to the “$500,000 forgery trial,” Moran was specifically charged with conspiracy to forge $62,000 in American Express checks with which he intended to flood the nation. The scheme also involved counterfeiting of New York Central railroad bonds as well as liquor and cigarette revenue stamps. Moran’s lawyer, James M. Burke, spoke to Judge James Fardy in his chambers before trial commenced about a request made by his client. “‘Bugs’ is a slang word which designates a person as being insane,” he told the judge. “The inference of the jury would be that that kind of person would commit any crime. It is unfair to the defendant to have that sobriquet attached to his name.” Fardy ruled that “Bugs” should not be used during the trial, even though it was stated in the indictment. On January 20, 1939, after deliberating for less than four hours, the jury found Moran not guilty. The document is countersigned by a notary public. Handsomely matted and framed with an engraved biographical plaque and two photos to an overall size of 29 x 19. Faint marginal smudge, otherwise fine, clean condition. Highly elusive in any form! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
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