Al Capone’s Iconic Colt .45 Gun “The Sweetheart” Announced for Auction on May 18th
06 Mayo 2024 - 8:49AM
Business Wire
On May 18th at 3:00 p.m. ET, online (guns.richmondauctions.com),
via phone, and in person, Richmond Auctions will present to the
world “The Sweetheart,” Al Capone’s legendary personal protection
Colt 1911 firearm that he often described as his favorite gun and
credited for saving his life on several occasions. Highly
sought-after firearms from famous historical figures have
consistently sold for millions in recent auctions, such as Ulysses
Grant's pistols which sold for over $5 million, and Pat Garrett's
Colt revolver that sold for over $6 million. With a similar
estimate to the Pat Garret Colt revolver, Capone’s “Sweetheart”
Colt gun, with pristine provenance, carries a pre-auction estimated
value of $2-3 million, and is expected to command a premium
price.
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Sweetheart, Capone’s personal pistol.
(Photo: Business Wire)
Endearingly, The Sweetheart Colt bears the patent engraving date
of Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1911. Capone is often credited for
the phrase you can get more with a kind word and a gun than with
just a kind word. Diane Capone, Al Capone's granddaughter, revealed
in documented interviews that The Sweetheart was a constant
companion to one of the wealthiest men in the country, oftentimes
described as the most shot at man in America, and that Capone
referred to his Colt 1911 as his favorite gun and his “Sweetheart”
for saving his life on several occasions. As reported in The Wall
Street Journal, stories were even told that he had a gun in his
hand right out of the womb. The Sweetheart heirloom pistol was
later modified by his only son, Sonny Capone, for competition
shooting as a master-level marksman. Often referred to by friends
and reporters as “The Big Shot”, “The Big Guy”, and “Big Al”, his
personal style also contributed to Capone’s enduring legacy as the
archetypal gangster and one of the most recognizable figures in
popular culture.
“The first bid was placed well in advance of auction day, as
this is one of the most historically important and expensive guns
of the 20th century. The incomparable collectibility of The
Sweetheart paired with the rare opportunity to own it, is
electrifying and has attracted significant interest from a wide
range of parties, including some the world’s wealthiest investors,
foreign royals, and Bitcoin and cryptocurrency barons. This
particular Colt 1911 gun is more than just a firearm; its romantic
nickname, absolutely stunning presentation, profound storytelling
value, and unique connection to Capone, make this gun a must-have
and a real trump-card for any world-class collector", remarked
Kimmie Williams, firearms specialist at Richmond Auctions.
Richmond Auctions, a premier international auction in
Greenville, South Carolina, continues to break records and provide
its clients worldwide with an unparalleled experience. Richmond
Auctions recently set a world record for its sale of the most
valuable antique advertising sign for $1.5 million, far exceeding
the previous record of $400,000, and also recently sold, for over
$5 million, several of the famed John Wayne's family-issued
firearms.
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Press Inquiries contact: jordan@richmondauctions.com