RAYMOND PINKER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/01/1971 - HFSID 131871

RAYMOND PINKER
The LAPD chemist who inspired the eponymous Dragnet character types and signs this letter responding to the writer's inquiries
Typed Letter Signed: “Ray H. Pinker” in blue ink. 1p, 5¾x9. Los Angeles, California, August 1, 1971. On his personal letterhead. Original Mailing envelope included. Addressed on face to “Douglas Voegler/ Box 152/ Schuyler, Nebraska 68661”. Postmarked Los Angeles, California, August 2, 1971. Letter written to “Dear Cousin Douglas”.  Text in full: “The postcard which you sent to the Los Angeles Ploice [sic] Dept. was forwarded to me. This is the first chance I have to respond./ I am the oldest son of Mildred and Joseph Pinker. I have a brother, Charles, and a sister, Marjorie, who live in this immediate area. We were all born in West Point, Nebraska./ We are all completely retired. I will be happy to help you in building a family history. Just fire away with your questions and I will try to supply the answers./ Sincerely”. Raymond Pinker was a chemist who spent nearly 40 years working to solve crimes for the LAPD. Hired in 1929 by the police department to work in their Police Scientific Investigation Division, Pinker was one of the first crime scene investigators to use paraffin tests and gamma rays. He also studied 3-D crime photographs to help him solve tough cases. In spite of his meticulous work, which proved instrumental in convicting hundreds of criminals, he remains best known for inspiring the fictional TV character of Raymond Pinker on Dragnet (1951-1959). One vertical, and one horizontal fold. Vertical fold touches the “er” of “Pinker”. Toned. Creasing throughout. Two stains from tape that had been adhered previously. Otherwise, fine condition.