The iconic pistol nicknamed “sweetheart” by Al Capone is once again up for auction, with a starting bid of $500,000. The gun is expected to sell for between $2 and $3 million, after previously selling for just over $1 million at a California auction. Capone’s .45 Colt semi-automatic pistol, manufactured in 1911, played a key role in his criminal activities during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. Capone, known as “Scarface,” was involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including the infamous St. Valentine’s Day massacre in 1929. He was eventually convicted of tax evasion and prohibition violations in 1931, serving time in federal prison before his death in 1947.
The pistol was handed down through the Capone family, with Mae Capone passing it to her son Sonny, who left it to his daughters Diane and Barbara. The granddaughters initially auctioned off the gun in 2021, along with other personal belongings of Capone, such as jewelry, watches, and various weapons. The gun, described by Diane Capone as her grandfather’s “favorite” and his protection, sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars more than expected to a private collector through Witherell’s Auction House in Sacramento. Critics have questioned the ethics of profiting from Capone’s violent crimes, but others see the historical significance of his possessions, especially the prized “sweetheart” pistol.
The decision to auction off items from Capone’s estate has sparked controversy, with some condemning the family’s actions given Capone’s criminal history. However, others view the items as valuable relics of a tumultuous era in American history. Kimmie Williams, a firearms specialist at Richmond Auctions, emphasized the allure of the Colt 1911 due to its connection to Capone and the lawless era in which he operated. Despite criticisms, the pistol holds a special place in the world of collectors as a symbol of a larger-than-life personality from a bygone era.
The historical significance of Capone’s pistol, affectionately referred to as “sweetheart,” is highlighted by its role in Capone’s life and criminal activities. Capone’s granddaughters recall their grandfather carrying the gun with him everywhere and crediting it with saving his life on numerous occasions. The gun’s association with Capone adds an extra layer of intrigue and allure, making it highly sought after by collectors. The pistol represents a relic of a time marked by lawlessness and larger-than-life figures like Capone, making it a valuable and prized possession for collectors interested in historical artifacts.
The auction of Capone’s pistol, along with other items from his estate, offers a glimpse into a dark chapter of American history. Capone’s reign as a Chicago crime boss was marked by violence, criminal activities, and larger-than-life personalities. The pistol, known as “sweetheart,” served as Capone’s protection and was a key element of his criminal activities during Prohibition. The high price tag attached to the gun reflects its historical significance and the enduring fascination with figures like Capone who operated outside the bounds of the law. The auction represents an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of history from a bygone era when figures like Capone held sway over American society.
