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Mobster John Dillinger spotted wearing Hamilton

Sold at Auction in 2009 for US$41,825: The Story of Dillinger’s Hamilton Pocket Watch

One of the most infamous American gangsters of all time, John Dillinger, met his end in a hail of gunfire outside Chicago's Biograph Theatre in 1934. But his legacy lived on through the auctioning of his possessions, including his prized Hamilton pocket watch. In 2009, the watch was sold for a staggering US$41,825, making it an object of fascination for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Dillinger's Hamilton pocket watch was not just any timepiece; it was the same one he wore on the night of his shooting. While some may consider the watch to be a dark relic of a notorious criminal, others see it as a valuable piece of history that adds to the legend of a man who was both revered and feared during his time.

Interestingly, the film that was playing at the Biograph Theatre on that fateful night was "Manhattan Melodrama," starring Clark Gable. The movie's production company shamelessly used Dillinger's death to promote the film, much to the chagrin of many cast members. The use of Dillinger's death in this manner highlights the murky relationship between Hollywood and real-life crime, a topic that continues to interest people to this day.

In conclusion, Dillinger's Hamilton pocket watch is a fascinating piece of history that captures the imagination. Its story is one that is full of intrigue and controversy, as well as the darker side of Hollywood's obsession with crime. One thing is for certain; the watch's sale at auction only adds to the legend of one of the most infamous criminals in American history.