Bonnie and Clyde's Guns Set To Fetch Thousands At Auction

Faline · #1 01-03-2012, 02:27 PM

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This is the deadly cache of guns once owned by notorious gangsters Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, which is set to go under the hammer at auction this month.
The .45 calibre Thompson sub-machine gun - also known as a Tommy gun - and a 12-gauge Winchester shotgun dating back to 1897 could fetch thousands.
They were seized by police after a daring raid on the duo went wrong and two officers were killed in a hail of bullets.
But during their getaway, the iconic outlaws - who met in January 1930 - left behind the two powerful guns in Joplin, Missouri, in April 1933.

The raid had occurred at the height of their crime spree, which terrorised middle America during the Great Depression.
And a policeman involved in the bungled raid recovered both guns - and a camera.
On it was a series of black and white snaps - including one showing Bonnie 'disarming' Clyde in a mock arrest, pointing what experts believe is the same shotgun at his stomach.

The firearms, including this 12-gauge Winchester shotgun dating back to 1897, could fetch thousands:

In this photo (circa 1933) - found on a camera recovered during a bungled raid on the outlaws - Bonnie Parker 'disarms' Clyde Barrow in a mock arrest, pointing a shotgun at his stomach:

They reckon that these grainy, aged images are proof that the guns once lay in the deadly hands of the rogue crime duo.
An unnamed officer handed the weapons to a police colleague, and they have remained with the family ever since.
But now, decades on from the Great Depression, the law enforcement officer's great-grandson Mark Lairmore is selling the lot in a bid to share their unique history with the world.

Bonnie, pictured, and Clyde killed nine police officers alongside a handful of innocent bystanders during their reign of terror:

Clyde Barrow, pictured, and Bonnie Parker terrorised the central United States during the Great Depression of 1931 to 1935:

Mark, from Springfield, Missouri, USA, said: 'They were a gift from one policeman to another.
'There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that these guns belonged to Bonnie and Clyde.
'When they were in Springfield, they kidnapped a police officer and had him in their car.
'They bragged to the officer about having stolen their Tommy gun in Ohio, and the serial number on my gun is the same as one that was once listed as stolen in Ohio.
'It was documented in the local paper - that to me is huge and a massive slice of history is held in these guns.'
He has now decided to sell the guns after his father, who passed them down to him, died.
Mark added: 'They have been in the Springfield Police Museum since 1973.
'They were the major draw of the museum and I don't think they were all that anxious to give them up.
'But my father and grandfather have passed away, so the sentimental reasons to hold onto them are no longer there.
'I feel it's time for someone with an appreciation of antique guns and the history behind them owns them and cares for them.'
Robert Mayo, who will auction the weapons at Mayo Auction and Realty, in Kansas City on January 21, said: 'These guns are highly collectible and would draw attention in any sale by their own history and merit.
'The Winchester model 1897 is a converted rifle, and the Thompson sub-machine gun is only legal to own by special permit.

'We are expecting specialist collectors and anyone interested in the mesmerising tale of Bonnie and Clyde from around the world to be interested in getting their hands on them.'
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious gangsters who travelled the central United States during the Great Depression of 1931 to 1935.
They were known for their chilling bank robberies, but often Barrow would insist on simply raiding small shops for their takings.
During their reign of terror, the pair killed nine police officers alongside a handful of innocent bystanders.