Gray Seal

Origin
Jimmie Dale was a master safe cracker who was wealthy, but committed crimes for the thrill. He never actually stole anything, but broke into homes, stores, and public buildings at night, leaving behind a gray diamond paper seal. Unfortunately, he was discovered one night, while breaking into Marx’s jewelry store, and he accidentally stole a pearl necklace in his hurried escape. The unidentified witness black mailed Dale into working for her, and set him against the Underworld of New York City. Dale discovered that an organization called the Crime Club was controlling New York, and he dealt with the members, one by one, simultaneously looking for the woman who was black mailing him. Eventually he discovered that it was a beautiful young woman named Marie LaSalle, and after finishing off the Crime Club, they developed a relationship.

Dale wore a gray suit and hat, a black silk mask and a "“wide leather belt filled with small pockets,” and each pocket filled with the toold he needed. He frequently carried a gun, but rarely shot anyone and never killed anyone.  He disliked violence and preferred to lead his opponents to their doom through more cunning and sophisticated manipulations.

Dale was about six feet tall, muscular and clean shaven. He was a skilled cracksman, mechanic and painter. He was also a master of dusguise and a good actor. His altenate identities included, Larry the Bat, and Smarlinghue, a junkie artist. His hideout was called the Sanctuary, and he was attended by his butler Jason, and his tough and devoted chauffeur, Benson. The Sanctuary was later burned down by the Crime Club.

Public Domain Literary Appearances

 * The Adventures of Jimmie Dale
 * The Further Adventures of Jimmie Dale
 * Jimmie Dale and the Phantom Clue