Description:

George "Bugs" Moran
Chicago, IL, November 28, 1938
Chicago Gangster "Bugs" Moran Signed Sworn Statement Before Forgery Trial
TDS

A typed sworn statement signed by Chicago gangster George "Bugs" Moran the day his forgery trial was set to open. Cook County [Chicago], dated November 28, 1938. Signed "George Moran" and countersigned by Lillian E. Cohen as Notary Public with a blind-embossed seal. Part of a larger document. 1p, measuring 8" x 3.75" (sight), matted with photographs of Moran and the aftermath of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre as well as a metallic plaque, and elegantly framed to the overall size of 29" x 19". Document has a few ink stains and minor toning, else in fine condition. Boldly signed. Documents signed by Moran using his birth name are extremely scarce in the public market.

The Chicago gangster and target of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre adds his signature to this document, which reads 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."

This document appears to be related to a forgery trial that, according to the November 28, 1938 issue of the "Chicago Daily Tribune", included Moran and nine other defendants. Moran was accused of forging American Express checks, New York Central railroad bonds, and cigarette revenue stamps. The trial started on January 4, 1939 and, sixteen days later, the jury found Moran not guilty.

Gang warfare ruled the streets of Chicago during the late 1920s, as chief gangster Al Capone sought to consolidate control by eliminating his rivals in the illegal trades of bootlegging, gambling and prostitution. This rash of gang violence reached its bloody climax in a garage on the city's North Side on February 14, 1929, when seven of Moran's men were shot to death by Al Capone's henchmen. Moran, who just missed the massacre by a couple of minutes, was visibly shaken when reporters talked to him days later. He shouted at them, "Only Capone kills like that!"

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: Document: 8 x 3 3/4 in. (20.3 x 9.5 cm.), Frame: 29 x 19 in. (73.7 x 48.3 cm.)
  • Medium: TDS

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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