1943 Press Photo Frank S Smith Elbridge Gerry Bates Conspiracy Charge Chicago

Frank S. Smith, left, local furniture manufacturer and rare coin dealer, and Elbridge Gerry Bates, right, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, electrical supplies salesman, were found guilty in Federal District Court in Chicago, on a charge of conspiracy to acquire and sell gold to Nazi agents. An F.B.I. agent who posed as a gold miner, testified that they had tried to buy gold from him, and a third defendant, Kurt Schimkus, a chemist (who was freed in trial) took him to New York where they were to meet a Nazi submarine bringing $250,000 for the purchase of the gold. The sub failed to appear.

Photo measures 8 x 6 inches.

Photo is dated 10-15-1943.



Photo back: