Wanted Posters

Two original vintage police notices from 1909. In part: "Pinkerton's National Detective Agency / To Loan Offices, Pawnbrokers, Jewelers and Police Officials / $500 Reward / At about 1 P.M. Wednesday November 3, 1909, John McMurray, porter in the employ of the Gibson...absconded with travelers samples in two brown leather suit cases..." On verso: "Headquarters Police Department Rochester, New York / Bogus Check Operator / Claims to be a  School Teacher / W.W. Thompson."

From the collection of Police Chief Michael Webb (1950-2009). Webb joined the Vinita Park, Missouri police force in 1974 and served until his death in 2009, during which time he purchased crime artifacts from relatives of criminals and law officers. Boasting more than 8,000 wanted posters, pieces of Webb’s collection have been featured in film and displayed at the National Crime and Punishment Museum in Washington.

Each wanted sheet has been affixed to each side of an extracted scrapbook page measuring approximately 9 x 12 inches. In good condition with the expected age and handling wear.