Jim Vaus Poster c1950's Mafia Mickey Cohen Gangster Evangelist Billy Graham
1950. For sale is a unique poster featuring one of America's most interesting characters, Jim Vaus Jr. Jim Vaus Jr. was an expert with electronics and was a professional wiretapper for both the LAPD and mob boss Mickey Cohen in the 1940's. The movie "Wiretapper" (1955) is based on his life. In November of 1949, Vaus was scheduled to do a job in St. Louis for another man, "St. Louis Andy", to set up a system to control illegal off-track betting for the Western half of the United States. Just days before he was to leave for the job, Vaus attended a revival tent meeting in downtown Los Angeles where a young preacher named Billy Graham was speaking. His words seemingly spoke directly to Jim Vaus Jr., and from that night on he made it his mission to serve Jesus Christ. He never went to St. Louis and left organized crime forever. He repaid those he had stolen from and cheated, and righted his wrongs. He spent the rest of his life in Christian Ministry.
This poster is from one of his demonstrations with electronics for Christian youth. The poster reads "Jim Vaus and his Electronic Illustrations, Sunday Afternoon, Sept. 13th, 3 P.M., Capitol Theatre (No Charge), Youth For Christ Sponsored". No date but likely from the 1950's since his conversion was in late 1949. Made of firm poster board. The poster measures 10.5" x 13.75" and features a photographic reproduction of Jim Vaus with a large electronic device and "Dynamic, Different!" underneath. The poster is in very good overall condition. Dark scuffs marks to the back. Sunning to the edges with two bent corners, one at the top and bottom. Light wear to the poster board. Item #3734
Price: $325.00