Which US Gangsters were the Spang Brothers in DAF (1956) based on?

Silhouette Man

Does anyone have any ideas on this? I'm thinking of real-world American (or indeed British) gangsters here specifically who could have influenced Ian Fleming to create the Spang Brothers of the Spangled Mob in Diamonds Are Forever (1956)? I know for instance that there was a British gangster of the 1950s and 60s called Jack Spot (I have a book on him) and that the Spangs' successor as leader of the Spangled Mob was called Jack Strap as seen in the Goldfinger (1959) novel. He is shot by Auric Goldfinger near the end of the novel.

I'm not a big expert on gangsters, though I am learning.

I'd be grateful to hear some views on this one. -{

Polar Bear 0007

A lot of people are critical of Fleming's depiction of the Mafia. I really like it!! It's clear Fleming had zero respect for them and viewed them as a bunch of organized uncultured thugs.

I've read on Wikipedia that there was a purple mob gang based out of Detroit- this is the Spangled Mob (it's assumed) as used by Fleming. Perhaps more research on this gang will provide additional info........

Barbel

This earlier thread http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/40761/american-mafia/ covers similar ground, including a link to more info on the Purple Gang.