What kind of member are you? (Check as many as apply.)

Collector, Fan, Just Curious

What would you like to tell us about yourself, your collecting, or business.

I recently found some very rare photos from my grandmother including a rare original print photo of Lenny Bruce posing (about 8"x10") autographed to my grandmother. It says, "To Reva, The nicest person I have ever met and hope you always have the best of everything. Love, Lenny". As far as I know this is a one of a kind photo that is an original and I have never seen this photo anywhere. I have searched for months now and can't find just the picture alone. Lenny is wearing a white tux, black bow-tie and has his right arm resting on his right knee. It says "Bloom Chicago" in the lower left corner. I do know the photo is from 1958 and the photo was actually taken off of the wall at the Cloister in Chicago, signed and then given to my grandmother later on that day (my grandmother told me in the hospital that she was very close to him.) Hugh Heffner got Lenny this job at the Cloister in Chicago. I also have a bunch of photos of my grandfather with Benjamin "bugsy" Siegel (my brother is named after him) and some members of the Gambino family along with Albert "mad hatter" Anastasia and other members of the Anastasia family. There are other famous people in the photos like "Little" Jackie Heller who was a close friend to them. I am only 27 and the internet can only provide so much information and my grandparents passed on so I can't ask them for more specific info. I would love to share the photos with everyone and gather any information I can. ANY INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks so much! ~Scott Siegel

What is your level of expertise?

Beginner, Intermediate Collector

Why do you want to join Autograph Live?

I am trying to gather some information on the rare photos I have from my grandmother. Some of the 1940-1950's crime family pictures of members of the Gambino family, Anesthesia family (photo of Albert "mad hatter" Anastasia with my grandparents) and there are many more. I have a picture of Benjamin "bugsy Siegel next to my grandfather with about 15-20 other people at the Buffalo Town Casino and many other photos from Vegas, Chicago, Ontario and Buffalo. Most importantly a 10"x12" (approx. size) original photo of Lenny Bruce autographed to my grandma saying: "To Reva, The nicest person I have ever met and I hope you always have the best of everything. Love, Lenny". I figure there has to be some people out there that can recognize some more of the people in the other group pictures. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm looking to get the Lenny Bruce personalized autograph authenticated as well and I might consider selling it but only to someone who truly appreciates the significance of Lenny and what he has done and the sacrifices he has made for the progression of comedy and our freedom of speech!

Who can we thank for telling you about us?

no member

What are your areas of interest?

Sports, History/Politics, Modern Hollywood and Stage, Classic Hollywood and Stage

Why do you collect?

There is nothing like the thrill of searching in an attic that hasn't been touched in decades that is full of history!

What is your favorite autograph in your collection?

Autographed 10"x12" photo of Lenny Bruce at the Cloister in Chicago in 1958 it is the only one in existence (to my knowledge) it is an original photo. It is personalized to my grandmother Reva Siegel saying: "To Reva, The nicest person I have ever met and I hope you always have the best of everything. Love, Lenny". I am a huge comedy fan and collector and this is by far is the rarest and most valuable piece I own.

You can ask anyone living or dead for their autograph. Who would it be?

William Shakespeare