Legendary organized crime leader who led the notorious “enforcement” syndicate Murder, Inc., which emerged in the early 1930s as successor to the warring Prohibition gangs and the old-line Mafia and continued to operate into the 1950s. Scarce personal check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Lansky, payable to Cash for $45,000, December 11, 1948. The endorsement on the reverse indicates that the check was deposited to the account of Ann[e] Lansky, the gangster’s first wife. In very good condition, with vertical fold (small edge separation touching first letter of signature), overlapping punch cancellations resulting in small losses at top edge, a few light stains, and ink from bank stamps on reverse slightly showing through behind signature; the signature nonetheless remains bold and dark. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
