Description:

Charles Lindbergh
Flemington, NJ, ca. 1935
Lindbergh Kidnapping: 2 Original Courtroom Sketches by L. Pierre Bottemer & Pass to the Hauptmann Trial
Archive

A pair of pencil courtroom sketches made during the Lindbergh kidnapping trial by L. Pierre Bottemer, together with an official Trial Pass. The sketches are on thick brown paper, each measuring 14" x 11.25", Flemington, ca. 1935. Sketched in pencil by Bottemer, with both signed, captioned, and dated in his hand. The first sketch shows Bruno Richard Hauptman seated with his guard, Hoxey Low "Listening to a Suggestion at the Defense Table." The second sketch is a collage of images of multiple witnesses in the trial, along with an ominous specter of what looks to be the Grim Reaper. This sketch is captioned "Still More Witnesses, More Links in the Chain," and includes Hauptman, two taxi drivers, a restaurant Owner, Al Reich, O.A. Hochmuth, and Dr. Condon. Together with a newspaper clipping about the artist and Harpo Marx. With worn, bumped corners and edges. Some minor chipping which does not affect very much of the sketches. There is a 1-inch tear at the top center of the first sketch. Overall very good, attractive for display.

The two sketches are accompanied by an official pass issued for the Lindbergh kidnapping trial. Card stock measuring 3.5" x 4.5", Flemington, New Jersey, dated February 7, 1935. "Official Pass Hauptmann Trial" No. 19, issued to an unnamed person by Sheriff John H. Curtiss. With a blind embossed stamped by the Notary Public. Creasing and previous bending to the right edge and upper right corner. Tearing and loss to the upper left corner. Light toning throughout. These cards had limited distribution and would be an excellent addition to the collection of any Lindbergh enthusiast.

On March 1, 1932, one of the most sensational cases in the annals of crime was set in motion with the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's baby boy, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., from his home in Hopewell, New Jersey. The Lindbergh kidnapping gripped the national headlines for nearly ten weeks before its tragic conclusion: the discovery of the young boy's body just five miles from his home, on May 12th. With a nation clamoring for justice, Bruno Hauptmann, a German immigrant, was eventually arrested for the crime. Hauptmann's trial begin in January 1935 and quickly became a media circus. Both Charles and Anne Lindbergh took the stand as witnesses, as did the ransom go-between, Dr. John F. Condon (known as "Jafsie"). In one of the most highly publicized and controversial trials in American history, Hauptmann was later found guilty of murder in the death of the Lindbergh baby and executed for the crime on April 3, 1936. However, the circumstances surrounding the trial still leaves many wondering if justice was carried out, inspiring conspiracy theories that have haunted this case since its beginning.

L. Pierre Bottemer (born Lawrence Phillip Bottemer) was a self-promoted itinerant American artist who gained fame for his sketched images from the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann (the Lindbergh Kidnapping) for the Sunday editions of the Birmingham News Age-Herald. Following the trial he traveled widely in the U.S. until 1950, when he established a studio-home in Laguna Beach. There he painted many seascapes and coastal scenes, often including sunsets. In the 1970s he maintained a studio in Pompano Beach, Florida.

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: 14" x 11.25"
  • Medium: Archive

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