‘Whitey’ Bulger’s stuff is up for auction
Items from the Santa Monica home of James 'Whitey' Bulger and Catherine Greig are going up for auction next week. Here's some of what you can get.
Want to live like an on-the-lam mobster? Now’s your chance. But be warned: It seems kind of boring.
Hundreds of items from the rent-controlled Santa Monica apartment that convicted mobster James ‘Whitey’ Bulger and his girlfriend Catherine Grieg lived in while they were on the run from authorities will be auctioned off next week, with the proceeds going to the families of Bulger’s victims.
Most of the 100 or so bundles of items look like they were pulled from your grandparents’ house: old furniture, used clothing, paperback novels, pill bottles, and Christmas decorations.
Of course, some items found in the couple’s apartment won’t be up for grabs, namely the $822,000 in cash and 30 guns found hidden in the unit’s walls.
The auction will open June 25 at the Boston Convention Center, with a simultaneous online auction. The public can preview the items at the convention center on June 24 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Boston.com dug into the trove and found some of the most ironic, interesting, and flat out weird stuff up for grabs.
A rat cup
Bulger, who is now serving a life sentence for participating in 11 murders as head of a notorious criminal organization, famously maintained that he wasn’t an FBI informant. To Bulger, now 86, a rat was the worst thing to be. Bulger apparently used this mug as a pencil holder. Bidding starts at $20.
A bunch of lightbulbs
Bulger and girlfriend Grieg must have been afraid of the dark. One bunch of items includes dozens of lightbulbs, votive candles and tea lights. Included in that same bundle: dental floss, used towels, and five McCain/Palin 2008 campaign buttons.
A survival kit
The camouflage bag contains “survival items,” according to the listing. In the same bundle are two camouflage suits, survival matches, thermal tarps, hoodies, a large knife, and a tooth brush.
A calendar dated June 21, 2011
Specifically, a “This Day in Military History” tear-off calendar. Other date-related memorabilia includes a Santa Monica Daily Press from June 22, 2011, the day Bulger was arrested after 16 years on the run, and a calendar page with handwritten notes from the week of their arrest.
Framed photos of poodles
The listing doesn’t say whether they’re Grieg’s beloved dogs that she had before she went on the run with Bulger in 1995.
A crucifix
Along with the carved crucifix is a votive candle labeled “Justo Juez,” which means “for justice and fairness.”
A decoy
Bulger used this boxing mannequin (with an accompanying hat) to make it seem like someone was in the apartment.
Bulger’s blood pressure readings
Starting at $10 is Bulger’s personal desk calendar with notes. The day of his capture, he wrote “4:30 a.m. 110 – 63. 57 pulse.” Related: a blood-pressure cuff.
A bunch of mob books
They include: Escape from Alcatraz (the notorious prison where Bulger served time after taking part in an escape while at another prison for bank robbery), American Mafia: A history of Its Rise to Power, Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss and The Last Gangster. He was also a fan of military history, specifically World War II.
Some rings
The most expensive item up for auction is a platinum engagement ring set, with a starting bid of $16,150. Also available: a replica Montreal Canadiens 1986 Stanley Cup Champions ring and a size 11 ‘Psycho Killer Skull’ ring.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com