Jailhouse possessions of Charles Manson, one of America’s most notorious criminals, are hitting the auction block this week in the latest demonstration of the popularity of artifacts from outlaws.
Included in one of the largest sales of Manson items are his New Testament Bible, a contract for a movie to his former cellmate and personal biographer, and a love letter from Manson cult member Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, who was later convicted of attempting to assassinate President Gerald Ford.
The auction is being held by Alexander Historical Auctions, which regularly features items and autographs from key figures and periods of world and American history. Because of its historical significance, Alexander Historical Auctions previewed the sale with Secrets, as it has with other notable auctions in the past.
Alexander Historical Auctions President Bill Panagopulos noted that this year is the 50th anniversary of the infamous murders Manson’s cult members committed in July and August 1969.
He said that the group of items is “probably largest grouping” of Manson artifacts ever offered. The online sale begins tomorrow and lasts three days.
Manson died two years ago tomorrow. He was 83.
The sale is being led with the Bible cult member Sandra Good sent Manson while he was in jail. It is expected to fetch up to $6,000.
In 1971, Manson was convicted of inspiring several murders by his followers, most notably of actress Sharon Tate. At that time, Good was in jail.
Panagopulos said that it was found with a large number of personal possessions, mail, recordings, and other items given by Manson to his biographer and onetime cellmate Nuel Emmons.
Also included is Manson’s contract with Emmons for a biographical movie, valued at up to $1,000. It is signed with Manson’s “characteristic swastika,” said the auction house.
Other items include a string doll made from Manson’s shoelaces while he was in jail — already winning a bid of $1,800 — and a love letter from former cult mistress Fromme. While she was not arrested with Manson and others for the Sharon Tate and Leno and Rosemary LaBianca murders in 1969, she was convicted for trying to kill Ford in 1975, though her gun jammed. She was paroled in 2009.
The cache notably includes a long note, also given to Emmons, of biographical information about Manson. Emmons co-wrote with Manson Manson In His Own Words.
In the note, Manson wrote, “Too much comfort & lazy life, with everything at finger tip gives nothing to reach for … most all people Ive ever met are good when they are let be … Some people feel good to do bad because they’re stuck in programming … just some thought …”
