Historic Al Capone’s “Sweetheart” Colt 1911 Pistol Goes to Auction
Greenville, SC – Richmond Auctions proudly presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of American history. The legendary “Sweetheart” Colt 1911 .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol, once owned by the infamous gangster Al Capone, will be available at a live auction on May 18th, 2024.
About the “Sweetheart” Colt 1911
Manufactured in 1912, this first year civilian production model was not only a personal favorite of Capone but also a reliable protector, earning its nickname “Sweetheart” after numerous life-saving instances. The pistol showcases exquisite floral scroll relief engravings, a hand-checkered grip, and has been maintained with a 90% re-blued finish, ensuring its condition matches its storied past.
Provenance and Historical Significance
The “Sweetheart” remained in the Capone family for nearly 75 years, passing from Al Capone to his wife Mae and later to their son Sonny, an expert marksman who enhanced its features. Most recently owned by a private collector, the pistol comes with a notarized letter of provenance, a certificate of authenticity signed by Al Capone’s granddaughter, and a historical letter from Colt’s archive confirming its origin.
Auction Details
Location: 1451 Donaldson Road, Greenville, SC 29605
Date: May 18th, 2024, Doors open at 1 PM, Auction begins at 3 PM Eastern.
Preview: Available by appointment only. Contact Richmond Auctions at [email protected] or call (864) 982-7751.
Registration and Payment
Interested bidders are required to register in advance, providing a certified bank letter for approval. Following the auction, the winning bid must be settled via wire transfer or cash by the close of business on May 21st.
This auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors and historians alike to own a significant piece of American criminal history. With an estimated value between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000, and starting bids at $500,000, the “Sweetheart” Colt 1911 stands as a monumental testament to the era of Al Capone and the history of American law enforcement.
For more information and to schedule a viewing, please visit Richmond Firearms Auctions or register for the event at Richmond Auctions. You may also contact the auction house directly.
Media Contact
Company Name: Richmond Firearms Auctions
Email: Send Email
Phone: (864) 982-7751
Country: United States
Website: https://www.richmondfirearms.com/auction/al-capones-sweetheart-colt-1911-45-acp-semi-automatic-pistol-w-provenance-documentation/
