Al Capone’s Iconic Colt .45 Gun “The Sweetheart” Announced for Auction on May 18th

GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 2024--

On May 18th at 3:00 p.m. ET, online ( guns.richmondauctions.com ), via phone, and in person, Richmond Auctions will present to the world “The Sweetheart,” Al Capone’s legendary personal protection Colt 1911 firearm that he often described as his favorite gun and credited for saving his life on several occasions. Highly sought-after firearms from famous historical figures have consistently sold for millions in recent auctions, such as Ulysses Grant's pistols which sold for over $5 million, and Pat Garrett's Colt revolver that sold for over $6 million. With a similar estimate to the Pat Garret Colt revolver, Capone’s “Sweetheart” Colt gun, with pristine provenance, carries a pre-auction estimated value of $2-3 million, and is expected to command a premium price.

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Endearingly, The Sweetheart Colt bears the patent engraving date of Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1911. Capone is often credited for the phrase you can get more with a kind word and a gun than with just a kind word. Diane Capone, Al Capone's granddaughter, revealed in documented 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 referred to his Colt 1911 as his favorite gun and his “Sweetheart” for saving his life on several occasions. As reported in The Wall Street Journal, stories were even told that he had a gun in his hand right out of the womb. The Sweetheart heirloom pistol was later modified by his only son, Sonny Capone, for competition shooting as a master-level marksman. Often referred to by friends and reporters as “The Big Shot”, “The Big Guy”, and “Big Al”, his personal style also contributed to Capone’s enduring legacy as the archetypal gangster and one of the most recognizable figures in popular culture.

“The first bid was placed well in advance of auction day, as this is one of the most historically important and expensive guns of the 20th century. The incomparable collectibility of The Sweetheart paired with the rare opportunity to own it, is electrifying and has attracted significant interest from a wide range of parties, including some the world’s wealthiest investors, foreign royals, and Bitcoin and cryptocurrency barons. This particular Colt 1911 gun is more than just a firearm; its romantic nickname, absolutely stunning presentation, profound storytelling value, and unique connection to Capone, make this gun a must-have and a real trump-card for any world-class collector", remarked Kimmie Williams, firearms specialist at Richmond Auctions.

Richmond Auctions, a premier international auction in Greenville, South Carolina, continues to break records and provide its clients worldwide with an unparalleled experience. Richmond Auctions 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, for over $5 million, several of the famed John Wayne's family-issued firearms.

Al Capone, who is credited with the phrase, “You can get more with a kind word and a gun than with just a kind word.” (Photo: Business Wire)

Sweetheart, Capone’s personal pistol. (Photo: Business Wire)

Major League Baseball is expected to investigate former Angels player David Fletcher for gambling on sports with a bookmaker who also took bets from Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday because they weren’t at liberty to discuss such impending matters.

ESPN reported Friday night that Fletcher placed bets with Mathew Bowyer, an alleged illegal bookmaker in Southern California. Federal prosecutors say Ippei Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off sports gambling debts during a yearslong scheme, at times impersonating the Dodgers superstar to bankers.

Sources told ESPN that Fletcher, who currently is with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, bet on several sports but not baseball.

MLB declined to comment on the Fletcher report.

The league's gambling policy prohibits players and team employees from wagering on baseball, even legally. MLB also bans betting on other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers. The penalty is at the discretion of the commissioner’s office.

Fletcher was a teammate of Ohtani's during the Japanese two-way sensation's six years with the Angels. Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700-million contact with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December while Fletcher was traded to the Atlanta Braves. He is now with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers.

Diane Bass, Bowyer’s lawyer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles and the Ballengee Group, Fletcher's baseball representation, declined to comment on the ESPN report.

Mizuhara pleaded not guilty Tuesday to bank and tax fraud, a formality ahead of a plea deal he negotiated with prosecutors and signed on May 5 in a wide-ranging sports betting case.

In a March interview, Fletcher told ESPN he was present at a 2021 poker game in San Diego where Mizuhara first met Bowyer. Fletcher said he knew Bowyer was a bookmaker at the time, and added that he never placed a bet himself with Bowyer’s operation.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

FILE -Los Angeles Angels' David Fletcher returns to the dugout after forced out at second base against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Minneapolis. Major League Baseball is expected to investigate David Fletcher for gambling on sports with a bookmaker who also took bets from Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday afternoon, May 18, 2024 because they weren’t at liberty to discuss impending matters. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig, File)