In the news release, Most Valuable Historic Pistol of the 20th
Century Expected to Sell for North of $3
Million Estimate, issued 15-May-2024 by Richmond Auctions over PR
Newswire, we are advised by the company that the gun photo is
replacing the presence of the logo. The complete, corrected release
follows:
Most Valuable Historic Pistol of the 20th Century Expected to Sell
for North of $3 Million Estimate
Al Capone's Life-Saving and
Favorite Colt .45 Pistol With Valentine's Day Date Engraving, that
he Nicknamed "The Sweetheart" Headed to Auction This Weekend,
Saturday May 18th, at 3:00pm EST
LOS
ANGELES and NEW
YORK, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The world
famous "Sweetheart," Al Capone's favorite Colt 1911 gun that
saved his life many times, nicknamed "Sweetheart", is heading to
auction this weekend, online, in person, and via telephone,
on Saturday May 18th at 3:00 p.m EST,
at RichmondAuctions.com. Highly sought-after
firearms from famous historical figures have consistently sold for
millions in recent auctions, such as Ulysses S. Grant's twin revolvers which sold for
over $5 million, and Pat Garrett's Colt revolver that sold for over
$6 million. With a similar estimate
to Pat Garret's Colt
revolver, Capone's "Sweetheart" Colt pistol, bearing the
patent engraving date of Valentine's Day, that includes a package
of pristine provenance, authenticity, and historical manufacturer's
documentation, carries a pre-auction estimated value of
$2-3 million, and is expected to
command a premium price. Prospective buyers may register
online at RichmondAuctions.com.
Capone is often credited for saying that you can do more with a
smile and a gun than you can with just a smile alone. As
reported in The Wall Street Journal, stories were even
told that he had a gun in his hand right out of the
womb. Capone's oldest granddaughter, Diane Capone, shares in 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 called his Colt
1911 his favorite gun and "Sweetheart" for saving his life on many
occasions. With multiple bounties on Capone's head by
various rivals, the list of failed attempts on Capone's life was
long and a source of public fascination. Notable among these are
the September 1925 North Side Gang
ambush and the November 1927 machine
gun assassination attempt by Joe
Aielllo's men.
According to Harvard Business
School researchers, Capone's intelligence made him
a force to be reckoned with. Often referred to by friends and
reporters as "The Big Shot", "The Big Guy", and "Big Al", Capone's
personal style and tastes also contributed to his enduring legacy
as the archetypal gangster and the most recognizable outlaw in
popular culture. Considered an underdog from small
beginnings, Capone started working at a candy store, then at
the Harvard Inn for his mentor Frankie
Yale, and later as a bodyguard and driver for Johnny Torrio. Capone's first business card read
"Furniture Dealer". With operational efficiencies and brutal
tactics, Capone built a vast enterprise with annual revenues
topping $100 million. Capone famously
stated, "this American system of ours, call it Americanism, call it
capitalism, call it what you like, gives each and every one of us a
great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the
most of it."
As a gun of choice for the Delta Force and elite fighting units
around the world, the Colt 1911's history in battle has earned it
the reputation as a trusted friend in dangerous places. Often
credited with winning two World Wars, the 1911 serves as a
symbol and personification of courage and protection; in the words
of Capone, "experience has taught me that there are two things that
people will always pay for: protection and pleasure." The
defensive firearm is also regarded as an asset on the competitive
shooting circuit. The Sweetheart 1911 heirloom pistol
was later modified by Capone's only son, Sonny, whom he referred to
as "son of my heart," for competition shooting as a master-level
marksman. The legendary 1911 Colt is regarded as a modern
mechanical marvel and highly favored for its timeless design,
accuracy, versatility, and reliability.
"Pre-auction interest continues to mount with motivated buyers
placing starting bids, currently at $825,000, long before the excitement of the
auction begins. This is one of the most historically significant
and valuable guns of the 20th century. The gravity of the gun in
your hands gives you the goosebumps. If there is a gun with
the demand and potential to set new world records, this is the one.
The incomparable collectability of The Sweetheart
paired with the rare opportunity to own it, is simply electrifying
and has attracted interest from a wide range of buyers including,
private equity managers, museums, and parties from all over the
world, including Japan,
Australia, Italy, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, India, Mexico, Israel, England, China, and Germany. This Colt 1911 gun is more than a
celebrity historical firearm; its romantic nickname, absolutely
stunning presentation, profound storytelling value, and unique
connection to Capone, make this gun a must-have and centerpiece for
the world-class collector." remarked Kim
Williams, firearms specialist at Richmond Auctions, which
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 several of the
famed John Wayne's family-owned
firearms.
Contact:
Info@RichmondAuctions.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-valuable-historic-pistol-of-the-20th-century-expected-to-sell-for-north-of-3-million-estimate-302146966.html
SOURCE Richmond Auctions