Title:
Meyer Lansky Handwritten ALS Letter to His Daughter Sandra, Dated March 10, 1971 – Family Provenance Archive

Description:
One-page handwritten ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) penned entirely in black ink by legendary organized crime financier Meyer Lansky on March 10, 1971. The letter is addressed to his daughter, “Sandra & Vince,” and signed simply, “Love, Dad.” Written in flowing cursive on plain personal stationery, the letter offers an intimate glimpse into Lansky’s private family life during his later years.

The content reflects a warm and conversational tone, discussing family correspondence, health concerns, cigarette smoking, telephone calls, and daily life. Lansky references mutual acquaintances and family members including “Buddy,” “Gary,” and “Vince,” while expressing concern for Vince’s recovery and advising moderation in smoking habits.

The letter reads in full:

“March 10, 1971.

Dear Sandra & Vince:

I’m sorry that I have been that neglectful until I received your letter and Gary’s March 7. I was of the opinion I wrote to you last week. It is true that I owe Buddy a letter after reading your letter I checked my mail I came across Buddy’s letter I will answer him. How is he?

Give him my love and tell him to take his private phone off the hook when he steps in for his shower. I intend to call him one of these mornings.

I’m happy to hear that Vince is recouping well also watching his diet. He has to watch his cigarette smoking (that is important) in his case. I will answer Gary soon; sometime I’m just not in the mood of writing.

Time goes so fast — one would think I was active doing nothing it is just passing me by.

My love to all. Regards from Bruiser Santa.

Love
Dad”

The letter remains well-preserved with expected horizontal and vertical mailing folds, mild age toning, and strong overall legibility. Included is an accompanying provenance document signed by Gary Rapoport, Meyer Lansky’s grandson, affirming the item’s direct family ownership and preservation.

Historical Context:
Meyer Lansky, often referred to as “The Mob’s Accountant,” was one of the most influential organized crime figures in twentieth-century America. A close associate of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Lansky played a central role in the development of the National Crime Syndicate and the expansion of gambling operations throughout the United States, Cuba, and beyond.

Despite his immense notoriety and longstanding connections to organized crime, surviving personal correspondence from Lansky is exceptionally scarce. Unlike many public figures of the era, Lansky maintained a highly guarded personal life, making intimate family letters such as this particularly desirable to historians and collectors.

Written just over a decade before his death in 1983, this letter reveals a far more personal and reflective side of Lansky. Rather than discussing criminal enterprises or public controversies, the letter centers on health, family relationships, aging, and the passage of time. Such candid insight into the private thoughts of one of America’s most infamous underworld figures provides an unusual and historically compelling contrast to his public reputation.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a signed provenance document from Gary Rapoport, grandson of Meyer Lansky, affirming direct family ownership and preservation of the letter within the Lansky family archive. The provenance sheet is additionally signed by autograph authorities John Reznikoff of University Archives and Luke Pascal of Historical Autographs Gallery.

Closing Appeal:
This remarkable handwritten family letter offers an extraordinarily rare opportunity to acquire authentic personal correspondence from Meyer Lansky, one of the most enigmatic and influential organized crime figures in American history. Rich in intimate family content and preserved with direct family provenance, the piece captures Lansky not as the legendary underworld financier, but as a father reflecting on health, family, and the passage of time. Its deeply personal nature and unquestionable provenance make it an exceptional artifact for collectors of organized crime history, Americana, and twentieth-century cultural memorabilia.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.