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Arts Desk
The late Sicilian Godfather of the underworld Al Capone revolver was sold for £67,250 in an auction held at Christie's this week. The sale of Antique Arms, Armour and Collectors Firearms saw the Colt .38 „Police Positive revolver formerly owned by notorious American gangster “Al” Capone sell for £67,250 against a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-70,000.
Perhaps the most famous American gangster of all time, Alphonse Gabriel “Al” Capone (1899 –1947) has been immortalized in numerous books and articles, as well as countless films. The stereotypical mobster image – blue pinstripe suit, tilted fedora – is based upon photographs of Capone, and his personality has been used as a template for copious fictional criminal masterminds.
Capone's revolver has exceptional provenance and was sold by a private collector, complete with an original personal letter from Madeleine Capone Morichetti, the widow of Al's brother, Ralph Capone, confirming that the gun “…previously belonged to and was only used by Al Capone while he was alive”, as well as a copy of the affidavit sworn by her, on 25th March 1990. The oath confirms that the revolver was previously owned by her brother-in-law. Al Capone was simultaneously regarded a folk hero and a public enemy; despite his illegitimate occupation he was regarded by many to be a modern-day Robin Hood, due to his various charitable endeavors using the money he made from his activities.
photo credit: Christies
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