Malcolm X Address Book Withdrawn From Auction

The bullet-riddled address book that was in Malcolm X’s pocket when he was assassinated in New York 34 years ago has been withdrawn from an upcoming auction after his survivors challenged the sale.

It is still unclear how the book, which was stained with the influential black leader’s blood during the last moments of his life in February 1965, fell into the hands of the private collector who arranged to sell it through the Butterfield & Butterfield auction house.

New York authorities say it should have been returned to the family.

The auction is to be held simultaneously in Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco on Thursday. The auction house was to begin displaying the address book today along with dozens of other items at a weekend preview in Los Angeles.

“Sensitive to the issues, Butterfield & Butterfield facilitated interaction between the consignor’s attorneys and officials in New York City and awaits resolutions between those parties,” the auctioneers said in a statement.

Joseph Fleming, the New York attorney representing Malcolm X’s six daughters, said it was also stolen property.

“This is an interim solution,” he said. “The auction house will hold the [book] until there is an agreement . . . to return it to the family, or if it becomes necessary, until the court issues an order.”