Description:

James Earl Ray
various, ca. 1973-1981
MLK Assassin James Earl Ray 6pc. Signed Archive, Many Addressed to Catholic Priest
Archive

A collection of six items signed by Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassin James Earl Ray, including 3 typed and handwritten letters, a notarized legal document, and signed photograph. Ranging in date from 1973 to 1981, with the majority of items addressed to one Reverend Samuel Jackson of Philadelphia. Exhibits expected wear throughout, including light creasing, soiling, and age toning. Otherwise, very good. Please see below for further information on contents.

The lot includes, in chronological order:

1.) Legal document addressed to the Shelby County Attorney General's office "re: a collateral matter pursuant to Cr. Indictment no. 16645…; Ray V. Tenn." 3pp, measuring 8.5" x 13", Shelby County, TN, August 14, 1973. Signed on the third page as "James E. Ray" and notarized by one Michael W. Kyle. Within, Ray tries to gain repossession of a 1966 Mustang in police custody, which was likely paid for with stolen money.

2.) ALS to Rev. Samuel Jackson, dated June 28, 1977, nearly three weeks after his second escape from prison. 1p on lined paper, measuring 8" x 9.5", n.p. [likely Petros, TN]. The convict writes in part: "…anyway with all the legal problems (they are attempting now to transfer me to a federal prison) I don't have much time for reading… Most all of my family members are Irish-Catholic but I have attended church infrequently. I do receive considerable literature, bibles, etc. through the mail."

3.) TLS to Rev. Samuel Jackson, measuring 8.5" x 11", n.p., dated March 13, 1978. Signed at conclusion as "James Ray" three days after his 50th birthday. Within, he notably mentions: "I am just marking time now until the attys. file for the new trial."

4.) TLS to Rev. Samuel Jackson, measuring 8" x 9.5", n.p. [Nashville, TN], dated July 6, 1981. Signed at the conclusion as "James Ray" in green felt tip, reading in part: "Everything is going ok. Everything is healed and luckily no nerves or leders [sic] were injured. I have been transferred to Nashville although I don't know how long I will stay here… Yesterday I also received a book from Michael Newton wherein the MLK case is referred to. I think I told you he wrote a paper back about the entire case about a year ago."

5.) Printed Christmas pamphlet of short stories and poems. 8pp, measuring 4.75" x 6.75", n.p., ca. 1981. Signed and inscribed on the inside front wrapper: "Dec. 1981/ Rev. Samuel Jackson/ James Ray".

6.) Black and white wire photograph signed and inscribed at center left "To: Rev. Samuel Jackson/ From: James Earl Ray." 1p, measuring 8" x 10", n.p., n.d. Verso features copyright stamps from Wide World Photos, with "This Paper Manufactured by Kodak" watermark.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 13" (largest)
  • Medium: Archive

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000