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Lot # 944: The Last Known Photographs of Whitey Bulger, All Signed by Bulger (8)

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 23 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring Classic 2021",
which ran from 2/25/2021 2:00 PM to
4/2/2021 11:00 PM



From the "Chip and Whitey Collection," these eight shots are the last known photos of crime boss Whitey Bulger. They come directly from Clement "Chip" Janis, an art teacher who Bulger befriended when they both were inmates at The United States Penitentiary in Tucson, AZ. Janis was known for his Native American art, and the warden eventually put Janis in charge of the prison art room where he taught other inmates. Bulger was a huge Native American art fan and became fond of Janis' work; thus starting a close friendship. In total there are eight (8) photographs with each having a handwritten letter and signature of Bulger. CBS Boston ran a story in May of 2020 showing three of these photos: two show Bulger and Janis together, and the other depicts Bulger, Janis, and two friends with some of Chip's artwork. Bulger even wrote "On Right - the artist Chip, James Whitey Bulger on the left" and dated "July 2014" on the top right of two out of the three. Four additional photos are of Bulger with a man wearing sunglasses, aka "War Club." Final photo is Janis, Bulger, and "War Club" holding up numerous Native American works of art that Janis had done. Content includes Elvis Presley, Alcatraz, Bulger referring to Native Americans as "Native Warriors," Bulger calling Janis an up-and-coming artist, Battle of Little Big Horn, Civil War, and much more.

NOTE: ALL SIGNATURES ARE PSA/DNA ENCAPSULATED

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