Arnold Rothstein was the kingpin of organized crime in New York City during the early portion of the 20^th century. A shrewd businessman and a prodigious gambler, Rothstein amassed a monumental fortune from his interests, which included a casino, a horse racing outfit, and bootlegging liquor during Prohibition. Rothstein’s criminal empire included many underlings who would later make their own mark on organized crime in the United States, including Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Legs Diamond. Allegedly, Rothstein was also involved in fixing the infamous 1919 World Series, although he was never indicted or charged with any crimes. In 1928, Rothstein was murdered in retaliation for racking up a large gambling debt in a three-day poker game, which he refused to pay as he believed the game was fixed.

The item presented here is an unsigned copy of Rothstein’s last will and testament from 1911. In this document, he directs a payment of $10,000 to his brother, Jacob Rothstein, although he makes no mention of his other siblings, Harry, Edith, or Edgar. The remainder of his estate and vast fortune was to be given to his wife, Caroline. This document, of which the first page is detached, is heavily toned, but the text is still very clear and readable. A fantastic historical relic from one of America’s most notorious gangsters! 

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