Al Capone’s Gun Goes Under the Hammer

A pistol belonging to Chicago gangster Al Capone could sell for £70,000 ($115,000) at auction next month. The Colt .38, which is being sold by a private collector, comes with a letter signed by Capone’s sister-in-law confirming its authenticity. Al Capone’s gun was made in May 1929, just months after the Chicago mobster ordered the murder of seven of his rivals in the infamous St Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Capone – nicknamed Scarface, dominated the mafia in Chicago until his 1931 arrest for tax evasion. He died in 1947. He remains one of the most famous gangster, mainly due to his many charitable ventures during his life time.

A gun belonging to outlaw Thomas Coleman ‘Cole’ Younger, a member of the James gang with siblings Frank and Jesse, is also up for sale at the June 22 auction in London. His 44-40 Model 1873 six-shot single action army revolver could fetch up to £85,000 ($140,000). [Christie's]