Al Capone

Alphonse Gabriel Capone was an American gangster during the Prohibition as co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His 7 year reign ended when he was 33. Capone indulged in custom suits, cigars, gourmet food and drink and prostitutes. He was known for his costly jewelry. His responses to questions about his mob activities were: "I'm just a businessman, giving the people what they want"; and, "All I do is satisfy a public demand."

Newspapers dubbed him Public Enemy No. 1.

The bootlegging operation of Bugs Moran posed a challenge to Capone. Moran and Capone led a turf war with each other that cost dozens of lives. On February 14, 1929, in an event which has become known as the Saint Valentine's Day massacre, 7 members of Moran's gang were gunned down on Capone orders.

The Saint Valentine's Day massacre damaged Chicago's and Capone's image, leading citizens to demand action.

Al Capone on the day of his release from jail Chicago 1939.

He was prosecuted in 1931 for tax evasion. Mobsters led lavish lifestyles yet never filed tax returns, and thus could be convicted of tax evasion without requiring evidence to get testimony. He was convicted and sentenced to 11 years. Capone showed signs of syphilitic dementia early in his sentence.

When Capone was released in 1939 after 8 years he had the mind of a child. Al Capone died on January 25, 1947 of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke.

Granddaughters of Al Capone auctioned off his gear. A Colt .45 was the star and made $860k. The next-highest seller was a .38 Colt pistol, which went for $200k. A pocketknife with the monogram AL in diamonds made $75k.

A platinum and diamond pocket watch made $190k.

174 items brought $3m in 2021.