Cambridge Auction Featured Artifacts From Notorious Gangsters

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Artifacts connected to some of the nation's most notorious gangsters were auctioned-off this weekend.

A handwritten musical composition by Al Capone, a letter written by John Gotti, and the three-headed snake ring that belonged to Bonnie and Clyde, are among the items that were up for bid in the "Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen" auction in Cambridge by Boston-based RR Auction.

Clyde Barrow's nephew Buddy Barrow and Bonnie Parker's niece Rhea Leen Linder were on hand for the event. Buddy Barrow says he's surprised by what some people will buy.

"I'm amazed at what some people will pay for, just a bunch of collectible items. I guess you know, it's some of the history and they're willing to pay that much for it," Barrow said.

A ring belonging to Bonnie and Clyde sold for $20,000. The arrest warrant for the famous due sold for $6500.

Another item for sale was a diamond pocket watch owned by Al Capone. That item sold for a little over $84,000.

The musical piece entitled "Humoresque" shows Capone's softer side. Written when Capone was in Alcatraz in the 1930s, it contains the lines: "You thrill and fill this heart of mine, with gladness like a soothing symphony, over the air, you gently float, and in my soul, you strike a note." That sold for $18,750.

Gotti's letter, written in about 1998 to the daughter of a mob associate, urges the recipient to tell her father "to keep the martinis cold."

Also on the block was a pair of sunglasses owned by Whitey Bulger. Gotti's letter didn't sell and there is no word on Whitey Bulger's sunglasses.

All of the profits went to the auction house because all of the items were confiscated by the U. S. Government.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports

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