A legendary pistol once owned by the infamous Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone, affectionately dubbed "sweetheart," is once again hitting the auction block. This time, interested buyers can participate in the bidding war in South Carolina for the firearm that Capone's family members attribute to consistently safeguarding his life. The weapon, now considered an iconic collectible, was acquired by a Greenville-based auction house.
The winning bid for Capone's prized pistol is anticipated to reach a staggering amount. Richmond Auctions will oversee the bidding process for the gun next month, with estimates placing the final sale price between $2 and $3 million. This auction, scheduled for May 18, follows a previous sale in California where the pistol fetched slightly over $1 million. Bidding will commence at $500,000.
Manufactured in 1911, the .45 Colt semi-automatic pistol held a special place among Capone's possessions as he ascended to notoriety as an untouchable crime boss in Chicago during the 1920s. Capone's criminal legacy, as documented by the FBI, includes a wide array of charges such as gambling, prostitution, bootlegging, bribery, drug trafficking, robbery, racketeering, and murder. He is famously linked to the brutal St. Valentine's Day massacre of 1929.
Al Capone, notorious for his involvement in organized crime, was convicted of tax evasion and prohibition violations in 1931 after years of evading law enforcement. He spent approximately seven and a half years in federal prison, including time at Alcatraz, before his death in 1947 at the age of 48.
Capone's .45 pistol, known as his "favorite" gun, was passed down to his wife Mae Capone after his death. Mae later gave the pistol to their son Sonny Capone, who eventually left it to his daughters Diane and Barbara Capone. In 2021, the granddaughters decided to auction off the pistol along with other personal belongings of Al Capone.
Witherell's auction house in Sacramento managed the auction, which included jewelry, watches, and various weapons owned by Capone. The .45 pistol, described by Diane Capone as her grandfather's protection and nicknamed his "sweetheart," was sold for a significant amount to a private collector.
According to Diane Capone, Al Capone carried the pistol with him everywhere he went, considering it a crucial piece of his personal security.
Opposing views have emerged regarding the family's choice to sell off items from Capone's estate and profit from them, despite the notorious gangster's involvement in numerous violent crimes during his rule in Chicago. Some critics have condemned the decision, while others argue for the historical value of Capone's possessions in today's context, particularly his cherished "sweetheart" pistol.
"This specific Colt 1911 holds significance beyond being a firearm. It serves as a memento of a time characterized by lawlessness and iconic figures," stated Kimmie Williams, a firearms expert at Richmond Auctions. "Its direct association with Al Capone enhances its appeal, making it a prized possession and trump card for any esteemed collector."
