Richmond Auctions announced the gun belonging to notorious mobster, Al Capone, has been put on the auction block with a starting bid of $500,000.
The Colt 1911.45 ACPT semi-automatic pistol was owned and carried by Al Capone (Alphonse Gabriel Capone), who affectionately named the weapon “Sweetheart” after he used it to save his own life a number of times, according to Richmond Auctions official website. Capone, who was known as “The Most Shot at Man in America,” is one of the most prolific mobsters in history, and his gun is expected to garner global attention.
Al Capone’s “Sweetheart” Colt .45 Pistol Announced for Auction by Richmond Auctions https://t.co/eGCT3iQ70O pic.twitter.com/2kbKX96aUk
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The South Carolina-based auction house listed the “Sweetheart” with provenance and documentation, and noted they estimate the final auction price to be as high as $2,000,000 to $3,000,000. The auction will take place on May 18, at 3 p.m., and has already generated global interest. Those looking to bid on this unique item have been encouraged to arrange an appointment for a viewing, according to Richmond Auctions.
The pistol was inherited by Capone’s wife, Mae, at the time of his passing, and has remained in the Capone family’s possession for nearly 75 years. Mae preserved the firearm meticulously, and passed it to their only child, Sonny Capone, according to the Richmond Auctions official website.
Al Capone’s “favorite” .45 caliber hand gun is displayed at Witherell’s auction house in Sacramento, California on October 4, 2021. Photo by Nick Otto/ Getty Images
Sonny, an avid competition shooter, upgraded the pistol to enhance its speed and accuracy. The gun includes an aftermarket Micro barrel bushing, spring plug, target-style fixed front sights and target-style rear adjustable sights, according to Richmond Auctions’ website.
Al Capone’s initialed platinum and diamond Patek Philippe pocket watch is displayed at Witherell’s auction house in Sacramento, California on October 4, 2021. Photo by Nick Otto via Getty Images
Sonny passed away in 2004, and the gun was passed to his daughters Diane and Barbara. The Certificate of Authenticity was signed and dated April 2024 by Diane Capone Pette, granddaughter of Al Capone, and photographs taken at the time of that signing will also be provided to the buyer.
A notarized Letter of Provenance from Diane Capone Pette that describes the chain of custody, is also included in the auction.
The last known photograph taken of Al Capone just over a month before his death in January 1947 is displayed at Witherell’s auction house in Sacramento, California on October 4, 2021. Photo by Nick Otto / AFP via Getty Images
The gun currently functions properly.
Al Capone has long been a figure of public interest, making this a one-of-a-kind, collector’s piece. (RELATED: Legendary Piece Of ‘Star Wars’ Memorabilia Sold For Almost $850,000)
“This particular Colt 1911 is more than just a firearm,” Kimmie Williams, Richmond Auctions’ firearms specialist said, according to PR Newswire.
Al Capone’s colt pistol is displayed at Witherell’s auction house in Sacramento, California on October 4, 2021. Photo by Nick Otto / AFP via Getty Images
“It’s a relic of an era marked by lawlessness and larger-than-life personalities,” she said. “Its profound connection to Al Capone adds an extra layer of allure, making it a must-have and trump card for any world-class collector.”