Grannan's Pocket Gallery Of Noted Criminals Of The Present Day, Containing Portraits Of Noted And Dangerous Criminals, Pickpockets, Burglars, Bank Sneaks, Safe Blowers And All-Round Thieves

GRANNAN DETECTIVE BUREAU CO

Publication: Spencer & Craig Printing Works, 1889, Cincinnati

First edition. 24mo. 5 1/4" x 3 1/2" cloth booklet, 80 pp., introduction, illustrated, portraits. This little book was meant to be carried in a coat pocket for ready reference and identification. "The book is particularly valuable because nearly every photograph from which these portraits were made was taken in September, 1888." Part of the introduction deals with the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Columbus, in September, 1888. The Ohio Centennial Exposition was also going on there at the same time. Chief of Police Murphy knew well that every pickpocket, burglar and thief would be in town at that time to reap a harvest, so he assembled the best detectives from Ohio and neighboring states and the result was 42 of the smartest crooks in the country were behind bars. In addition a picture of each of the criminals apprehended is provided along with a complete description to include their age, height, weight, and other pertinent details. Includes a section on THE JAMES GANG with particular emphasis on the raid at Northfield, Minnesota, where the James Gang and the Younger Gang tried to rob the bank. There are individual pictures of each of the gang members along with their deeds and where they are now. There are no copies of this rare work in OCLC. Its rarity is confirmed by its absence from Ramon Adams' SixGuns and Jeff Dykes' Rare Western Outlaw Books, as well as Wright Howes' Usiana and The Graff Collection of Western Americana! In addition, never offered by Eberstadt, nor included in the collections of Thomas Streeter or George W. Soliday. Front blank endpaper is detached and laid-in, else near fine in original cloth, and protected by a custom clamshell box with title and year of publication in gilt on leather label on spine. Archive also includes: The International Detective, an 8-page, 4-column newspaper issued as "The Official Publication Of Grannan's Detective Bureau." Vol.III. No.11. Cincinnati, September, 1889. While the first 7 pages provides much information and images of various wanted-criminals, Page 8 is comprised almost entirely of information and images of the James Gang and Younger Brothers, entitled: "The James And Younger Gang. The Most Daring And Dreaded Band Of Outlaws And Desperadoes Ever Organized In This Country. Trains, Express And Bank Robberies Made Mere Pastime, With Murder And Violence As Frequent Accompaniments. The Gang Comes To Grief At Northfield, Minn., And Makes Its Last Raid - Its Members Killed Or Imprisoned - The Younger Brothers For Life At Stillwater, Minn. - Bob Younger The First To Turn Up His Toes." Newspaper folded in half, as issued, in near fine condition. Archive also includes: A 4-page Recruitment Brochure issued by The J. C. Drannan Detective Bureau Co. A very detailed description of the bureau, its policies and commitment to professional law enforcement, as well as the qualities that they desire and require of the men that they hire to be detectives. Brochure headline reads: WANTED--DETECTIVES--BRIGHT YOUNG MEN. Printed on very thin paper, 8" x 10.5". 2-Column. Undated-Circa 1880's. One horizontal fold and two vertical creases. A rare and fragile piece in near fine condition. Archive also includes: A Grannan Detective Bureau Badge. 2" wide x 2.5" long. Silver, stamped in black. All original. Small imprint on verso reads: This Badge Is Not Sold To Anyone. Near fine condition. As described in their recruitment brochure. "BADGE--Each representative of this Bureau is furnished with a solid German silver badge, handsomely ornamented and engraved and bearing the inscription, "Grannan & Co.'s Detective Bureau, Cincinnati, O." There is no charge for this badge as it remains the property of the Bureau, and is to be returned at the expiration of the agency." Founded by J. C. Grannan, The Grannan's Detective Bureau Co. was an early detective agency, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. A primary competitor of the Pinkerton agency, and quite prominent from the early 1880's through the early 1900's. We believe each item in this archive to be quite rare. Offered as a group, they are truly exceptional.