Ruby’s personally-owned softcover Holy Bible presented to him while in prison, 5.25 x 7.75, inscribed to him in another hand on the partly-printed first page, “Presented to Jack Ruby by the will of God. Date: April 15, 1964.” Ruby later signed and inscribed the reverse of this page in blue ballpoint, “Sept. 1965. To Ray Pennington, May you always remember me as you have always known me, and most certainly if anyone should know that I haven’t changed, you would be the person to know it. Sincerely, Jack Ruby.” In fine condition, with splits to the edges of the bible’s slipcase. Provenance: originally offered in Charles Hamilton’s sale of April 6, 1967; from the collection of Dr. John K. Lattimer.
Given to Ruby one month after he was found guilty of murder with malice and sentenced to death for the killing of Lee Harvey Oswald, this Bible stayed with the convict through his first year and a half in the Dallas County Jail. Passing it along to Dallas County Sheriff’s Officer Ray Pennington, who served as Ruby’s personal guard for three months, he adds an inscription that hints at a deeper connection; as his mental health slipped and his conspiracy theories began to make headlines, he encouraged Pennington to “remember me as you have always known me.” An excellent personal piece from Ruby’s post-Oswald life in his Dallas jail cell. RR Auction COA.
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