Early “Spanish Prisoner” scam letter, written in English, Zaragoza, 19 December 1905, an unusually complete and well‑preserved example of the classic fraud format that later evolved into the “Nigerian Prince” scheme.

The writer claims to be imprisoned for bankruptcy and asks the recipient to help recover 195,000 Dollars supposedly held in America. He requests that the addressee travel to Spain to lift the seizure of his baggage and take possession of a hand bag with a secret drawer containing the “pieces indispensable” to withdraw the funds. In return, he promises one‑third of the fortune and asks the recipient to protect his “dear and unique daughter”.

He instructs that replies be sent only by cablegram, signed with the code‑name “Smokey?”, and directed to:

Emilio Calvet – G. P. Vendrell – Spain

At upper left is a contemporary pencil note identifying the item as a fraud specimen:

“The Spanish Prisoner Swindle. Sent to Mr Inglis, in New York.”

The identity of Mr Inglis has not yet been confirmed. Several individuals of that name appear in New York records of the period, suggesting a private recipient or collector, but no firm link has been established.

A strong, early, fully‑formed example of the Spanish Prisoner fraud. Ideal for collectors of criminology, postal‑history deception, and confidence‑trick ephemera.

Provenance: 

One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil. 

Winifred Alice Myers (1909 – 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.