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Identification

1904 Chicago Police Department Daily Bulletin

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The item is clearly identified by its printed header as a 'Daily Bulletin' issued by the 'DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, CITY OF CHICAGO' on 'APRIL 14, 1904.

Story

Issued by the Department of Police, City of Chicago on April 14, 1904, under General Superintendent Francis O'Neill. O'Neill is a notable historical figure, serving as Chief of Police from 1901 to 1905, though he is perhaps best remembered today for his extensive work collecting and publishing Irish traditional music. The market for antique law enforcement ephemera is driven by true crime collectors, local historians, and decorators.

Maker / Origin

Department of Police, City of Chicago

Condition & Value

Based on the provided evidence, the document shows typical aging for early 20th-century newsprint or broadside paper. The printed text and mugshots remain highly legible, which is crucial for display value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for antique law enforcement ephemera is driven by true crime collectors, local historians, and decorators. Turn-of-the-century police bulletins featuring mugshots or notable crimes are highly sought after compared to mundane administrative blotters. Buyers typically source these through specialized ephemera auctions or historical Americana dealers, where visual display value strongly dictates the final price.

Value Drivers

▲ Turn-of-the-century (1904) origin commands a significant premium over mid-century examples.

▲ Presence of printed mugshots and severe crime reports increases true crime crossover appeal.

▲ Association with notable Chicago Police Superintendent Francis O'Neill adds historical interest.

Concerns

▼ Unverified authenticity — if determined to be a later decorative reproduction, value drops to the $15-$30 novelty range.

▼ Unverified reverse side — hidden tape repairs or mounting damage could reduce collector appeal.

Best Venue

To maximize return, verify the exact dimensions and check the paper under magnification to confirm it is a period halftone/letterpress printing rather than a modern reproduction. Once authenticated, list this with a specialized ephemera dealer or an auction house handling historical Americana, utilizing a protective archival sleeve to prevent further degradation.

Upside Potential

If the specific murder arrest detailed in the bulletin connects to a historically famous Chicago case or organized crime figure of the era, intense specialized collector interest could push the value beyond the $150 high estimate.

Authenticity Risk

medium

Historical police bulletins, especially those with visual appeal like mugshots, are sometimes reproduced as decorative items or museum souvenirs (similar to the $40 Dillinger comp). While the 1904 date is less commonly faked than the 1920s/30s gangster era, confirming period-accurate paper aging, correct dimensions, and original printing techniques (e. g., letterpress indentation, halftone dot patterns under magnification) is recommended before a high-value sale.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 5 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • eBay
    1904 Chicago Police Chief Francis O'Neill Signed Letter & Reply – 2pc Bigamy Archive
    Signed letter archive, not a daily bulletin.
    $150
  • Alexander Historical Auctions· 2017-12-20
    RICHARD SPECK 'WANTED' FLYER
    Wanted flyer from a much later era (1960s), not a daily bulletin.
    $140
  • Conestoga Auction Company Division of Hess Auction Group· 2020-08-27
    Ny City Police Dept Certificate Of Accommodation Reward
    Certificate from a different department (NYPD), not a daily bulletin.
    $50
  • Rapid Estate Liquidators and Auction Gallery· 2026-03-28
    Black and White Analog Photo Print Bonnie and Clyde Wanted Poster U.S. DOJ Division of Investigation
    Photo print of a wanted poster, not a daily bulletin.
    $13
  • eBay
    Francis O'Neill 8X10 Photo Picture Image Irish American Police Officer Chicago
    Photograph, not a daily bulletin.
    $10