Capone’s Legendary Loot Gets a Red‑Hot Sale in Sacramento
Imagine strolling along a dock with the infamous gangster Al Capone’s family on Christmas Day back in 1946. The picture of “Papa”—the one who just wiped out his Alcatraz stint—grinning with a handful of grandkids and a shout of “Freedom!” is one of 174 items heading to auction this Friday, October 8, at a downtown Sacramento venue.
What’s on the Menu?
- Pocket watches that sparkle like a mid‑night after‑party – Capone’s platinum‑and‑diamond Patek Philippe sits on the price board at $25,000 to $50,000.
- Only the andurated Colt 45 has the grit to break the $100,000‑$150,000 sweet‑spot. Yep, that’s the same pistol that once rang out during a high‑profile shoot‑out.
- A hand‑colored silvery snapshot of Al with his son Sonny turns head‑turns and dos‑hiens! It’s slotted between $10,000 and $15,000.
- Think Flintstones‑style – assorted furniture, kitchenware, teeth whitening buttons, and jaw‑dropping jewelry that would make a silent movie blush.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Beyond the bill‑the‑hole‑punch of “no one can out‑bid us”–Fiend, you’re getting literal Hollywood step‑dupes of the gangster era. A photo of him relishing his jail-free life, you know? Picture the nostalgic vibes. With a history that screams “this is a real deal,” it’s the perfect chance for history buffs and the “I’d blew my investment snap‑shots” crowd to snag something truly legendary.
Remember This Friday
Stop by, grab a cocktail, and make sure you’re not the one who learns, three hours later, nobody else had an Al Capone watch all this week. It’s all about that vintage money‑grab vibe.
When a Legacy is Passed on: Diane Capone’s Decision to Auction Her Granddad’s Treasures
At 77, Diane Capone, the second of Al Capone’s four granddaughters, has chosen to put her famous relatives’ belongings up for auction. “We’re getting older, and the wildfires are getting riskier,” she explained, referring to her Northern California homes.
Why the Sale Matters
- Human side of a legend – Diane hopes the items will show a gentler, more affectionate Al Capone, rather than just the hard‑boiled Chicago gangster the world knows.
- Heart‑felt letter – the highlight of the collection is a handwritten note from Al to his son, Sonny, in Alcatraz. It’s expected to fetch between $25,000 and $50,000.
- A story in every piece – from guns to glittering jewelery, each object carries a slice of history that is both thrilling and tender.
What Buyers Are Excited About
Brian Witherell, the consignment director at Witherell’s Auction House, reveals that nearly 1,000 bidders from every U.S. state and 11 countries have registered. He added:
“The most buzzworthy items are those that instantly bring to mind the gangster image—guns, flashy jewelry, and the like.”
People’s Perspective
Diane believes these artifacts will let the public see a different side of their infamous granddad. “When people look at this letter, they’ll see a loving father,” she says, “not just a ruthless mobster.”
More on the Auction
- The auction will feature a wide array of items that were once cherished by Al Capone.
- Those interested can view the catalog online, where each item’s backstory is highlighted.
- Proceeds from the sale will go to preserving historical records and helping fight the rising wildfire threat in California.
So, if you’re ready to purchase a piece of Chicago’s roaring past while supporting a noble cause, keep an eye on the auction. The story of Al Capone might just become your next great conversation starter.
