HISTORY:

Owned and carried by Alphonse Gabriel Capone, commonly known as Al Capone, one of the most prominent figures in American history. Often called “The Most Shot at Man in America” and a staple of popular culture, Capone referenced this pistol as his favorite firearm and named it “Sweetheart” after saving his life on multiple occasions. Known by various nicknames including "Scarface," he gained notoriety as a modern-day Robin Hood in Chicago during the Prohibition era.This “Sweetheart” Colt 1911 remained in the Capone family’s possession for nearly 75 years. Following Al Capone’s passing, the pistol was inherited by his wife, Mae Capone, who preserved it with care. Mae passed the pistol to their only child, Sonny Capone, during his adulthood. Sonny was an avid competition shooter and Expert Marksman who made the existing upgrades on his father’s favorite pistol to enhance speed and accuracy. Upon Sonny’s passing in 2004, his daughters Diane and Barbara Capone inherited the “Sweetheart” Colt 1911. In October of 2021, this iconic and historically significant firearm sold to a private collector through the Capone Estate.

PROVENANCE:

Exhibit A: Certificate of Authenticity from Richmond Auctions, signed and dated April 2024 by Diane Capone Pette, granddaughter of Al Capone. COA includes photos at the time of signature that will be provided to the buyer.

Exhibit B: Notarized Letter of Provenance from Diane Capone Pette describing the chain of custody.

Exhibit C: Colt Historical Archive letter shows this three-digit serial number Colt was sold to the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and shipped to Union Hardware & Metal Company on September 11, 1912.

DESCRIPTION:

Manufactured in 1912 as a first year civilian or “commercial” production model. Features a 5” barrel with aftermarket Micro barrel bushing, spring plug, target style fixed front sights and target style rear adjustable sights. Slide features floral scroll relief engraving on the left and right sides and on the front portion the frame around the plug. Left side of the slide is stamped “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D APR.20,1897, SEPT.9,1902, DEC.19,1905, FEB.14,1911, AUG.19,1913”. Right side of the slide is stamped “COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .45” with the Rampant Colt logo. Left side of the frame is stamped with the serial number “C 837” in typical style of early production Commercial models. Diamond VP proof mark and “K” inspection stamp on the left side trigger guard. Right side of the frame below the slide is stamped “GOVERNMENT MODEL”. Standard Colt 1911 safety grip and left side manual thumb safety. Front grip strap is an engraved hand-checkering crisscross pattern and rear strap is stippled for a better grip. Equipped with rear vintage stag grip panels and an aftermarket trigger shoe. Includes an 8-round magazine.

PREVIEW:

By appointment only. Please contact Richmond Auctions to schedule a viewing at firearms@richmondauctions.com or (864) 982-7751. We are conveniently located five minutes from a private airport (Donaldson Field Airport - GYH) and fifteen minutes from a commercial airport (GSP - Greenville Spartanburg International).

REGISTRATION:

All registered bidders will be contacted by Richmond Auctions. All registered bidders will be required to submit a certified bank letter to Richmond Auctions before they are approved to bid.

PAYMENT:

The winning bidder will be contacted by the auction house immediately following the close of the auction. Wire transfer or cash are the only acceptable forms of payment. Payment must be made no later than the end of business on Tuesday, May 21st.

Maintains 90% re-blued finish. Wear spot on the bottom of the frame near the muzzle and on the left side of muzzle. Small spot on the right side of the frame under the slide. Light pitting around the grip panels prior to re-bluing process. Grips show discoloration from age but appear to be in great condition. Nice bore, and all actions function smoothly and properly.