Autographs
Gangster Mickey Cohen Befriends an LAPD Police Officer Unique Archive of Eight Handwritten Autographed Letters
MEYER HARRIS “MICKEY” COHEN (1913-1976). Gangster, based in Los Angeles and part of the Jewish Mafia who also had strong ties to the American Mafia from the 1930s through the 1960s.
Outstanding Archive of Eight (8) Autograph Letters Signed, (either) "Mickey," "Meyer Harris Cohen" and "Mick," all personally Handwritten in red ink, blue ink and pencil, to "Voy" (Lieut. Voy Kay of the Los Angeles Police Department), upon 8" x 10.5" lined notebook paper, Extremely Fine. The various Letter’s dates range from August 15, 1965 through August 14, 1969. Each of these Letters are accompanied by their original transmittal envelopes. Letters exhibit typical folds and handling; one letter exhibits toning due to contact with newspaper, yet are attractive and have eye appeal.

These Letters share friendly concern for Voy's family, and an appreciation for his sending Los Angeles newspaper stories relating to Cohen. He also discusses his parole, and issues on his deteriorating health. Such Mickey Cohen material is extremely rare and uncommon. These (8) full Autograph Letters Signed are a significant and important find for any collector of American Criminal history. (8 Letter Archive)
Originally from Brooklyn, Cohen's family moved to L.A. where he began boxing in illegal prizefights and he moved to Cleveland in 1929 to train and fight as a professional boxer until 1933. During Prohibition , Cohen moved to Chicago and became involved in organized crime working as an enforcer for the Chicago Outfit, where he briefly met Al Capone. In 1939 Cohen was sent to Los Angeles by Meyer Lansky to work under Bugsy Siegel.

During their association, Cohen helped set up the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, running its sports book operation and was also instrumental in setting up the race wire, which was essential to Vegas betting. Mickey Cohen has been portrayed in modern film and television numerous times, including Bugsy, L.A. Confidential, The Black Dahlia, Gangster Squad and Mob City.