I don't believe bullet proof vest were available during that time................
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Kevlar fabric
It might well depend on the wording of the law in your particular state. Are felons prevented by law from possessing or wearing bullet-proof vests in your state?
Although individuals have been creating and utilizing makeshift means to protect themselves from bullets for some time beforehand, Casimir Zeglen of Chicago Illinois is credited with producing the first commercial bullet proof vest available to the public starting in the late 1800s. Zeglen's vests were made of silk fabric based on the findings of Dr. George Goodfellow of Arizona. Dr. Goodfellow observed that the silk cloth of a handkerchief slowed bullet velocities and penetration capabilities when inspecting bodies after a gunfight. The Zeglen vests retailed at around $800 US dollars at the time, the equivalent to about $15,000 US dollars in 2005.
At any police/security equipment dealer, or possibly as a military surplus military item. Check your local Yellow Pages.
John dillinger killed only 1 person, who was indeed a cop who had shot dillinger 4 times. (dillinger was wearing a bullet proof vest)