Final bid on Al Capone’s diamond watch: $84,375

Most collectors interested in the American gangster era probably already know about RR Auction’s Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen auction that took place this month. Unlike their regular lot sales, the auction company also held a live event on June 24, which was an absolute success. The auction featured countless valuable items, such as Al Capone’s watch, a musical composition written by the same infamous gangster while imprisoned in Alcatraz and even Bonnie Parker’s promise ring made by Clyde Barrow himself.

Anyone who has heard about Al Capone probably knows the kind of business he was running and the fact that the Prohibition era was the most prolific period for him and his associates. The gangster managed to run operations of millions of dollars, none of which were exactly legal. He dealt with gambling, bootlegging, racketeering and many other activities that were outside the law. Most people know him by the nickname “Scarface” he got from the press, after his face was cut during a fight.

However, what most people do not know about the gangster is the fact that he used to dress in style and have quite a unique taste in fashion. Actually, as it turns out he disliked the nickname that was given to him by the press, because according to RR Auction “Unlike his more maligned moniker of ‘Scarface,’ Capone preferred that those closest to him call him by ‘Snorky,’ a slang term which meant ‘sharp’ or ‘well-dressed”.

This also explains the pocket watch, which has incredible details, such as his initials „AC” formed with 23 diamonds on the exterior case and encircled with 26 other diamonds. The pocket watch has a platinum face and golden impressed numerals, being in itself an incredibly valuable item. When adding its history and uniqueness to the equation, RR Auction’s experts estimated it to over $25,000.

However, given the fact that during the online bidding phase of the auction, the waatch had alredy reached over $17,000, it is no wonder that it was eventually sold with a lot more than it had been anticipated.

According to KTIC, along with the pocket watch, the auction also included a musical piece that Al Capone wrote while he was in Alcatraz back in the 1930s. The manuscript is entitled „Humoresque” and it reads: “You thrill and fill this heart of mine, with gladness like a soothing symphony, over the air, you gently float, and in my soul, you strike a note.” This item was estimated at $20,000 but, unlike the pocket watch it did not manage to surpass that number, being sold for around $18,000.

Details on this auction or on future events as well as information regarding these items can be found on RR Auction’s webpage or on their social media where collectors can be updated regarding the latest news.

Remarkable Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen auction

RR Auction seems to have outdone itself with the latest Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen auction which started this month and will conclude with a live event on June 24. The auction features some of the most interesting and amazing items related to America’s gangster era. Almost all of the collectibles available in this lot have an incredibly rich history and that is exactly why they are considered to be so valuable. Collectors should know that the bidding on these remarkable items has already started online and that it will be available up until June 23. In other words there is still plenty of time to browse the items and place a bid on either one of them.

Among these rare collectibles, RR Auction has managed to bring forth quite a large number of unique documents either signed or written by infamous gangsters and outlaws. This auction is basically a one of a kind display of gangster history highlighted by documents, autographs and breathtaking jewelry. One of these documents is a typed letter from Clyde Barrow that he signed in fingerprints. The letter clearly proves that, after all, there really is honor among thieves and that Clyde Barrow was no stranger to that code. The letter is meant to absolve fellow outlaw Frank Hardy of any guilt in a trial in which he was accused of murdering Doyle Johnson, a crime committed in fact by the infamous couple Bonnie and Clyde and another accomplice, W. D. Jones.

Clyde Barrow’s letter reads “To Whom It May Concern: I know Frank Hardy, having been with him on several occasions prior to 1930. Since I was paroled by Gov. Ross Sterling of Texas, Frank has not been associated with me in any manner. He is not now nor has he ever been a member of what is referred to by the news papers and public as 'The Barrow Gang.' I have not seen Frank Hardy since leaving the Eastham Farm of the Texas Prison System. That all may know that I have made this statement I am affixing here my signature and fingerprints."

Barrow’s kindness comes as a result of a 1929 incident in which Frank Hardy helped him get out of jail when the two were arrested along with William Turner. Back then Barrow simply claimed in front of the chief of police that he was innocent, an unknowing hitchhiker who had no idea that William Turner and Frank Hardy were wanted by the police. The two went along with his story and he was able to walk out a free man. It seems like he never forgot incident, as 1934 he felt compelled to write this testimonial in which he claims that Hardy was never a member of the Barrow Gang. Thankfully, Hardy had the charges against him dropped earlier that same year, which actually explains why the letter never reached its destination and it was in the possession of Barrow’s family. In fact, the 8.5 X 11 inches item also comes with a letter of provenance from Clyde Barrow’s sister, Maria Barrow.

This letter and many other remarkable items can be viewed on RR Auction’s website which contains detailed information and a complete history on each and every one of them. Collectors might also want to keep an eye out on RR Auction’s social media for updates regarding future auctions and unique items.

RR Auction’s Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen auction started

 RR Auction is giving collectors yet another unique opportunity to bid on some of the most amazing items in a live event taking place this month. The live auction for the Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen lot will take place on June 24, but anyone interested in the featured collectibles and memorabilia can already view them and place bids on RR Auction’s website. This auction is by far one of the most interesting ones that the Boston – based auction house has held this year as it includes quite a few unique items that are surely going to be a pleasant surprise for those who are interested in this type of memorabilia. 

For instance, one of the stars of the Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen auction is a diamond watch that belonged to none other than the infamous gangster Al Capone. The platinum pocket watch was manufactured by the Illinois Watch Company, has a triangular shape and it measures around 1.5X1.75 inches. The watch in itself is a highly valuable piece, let alone its history. It has golden watch hands and numerals, a platinum face and seventy two diamonds along its circumference. On top of that, the reverse of the watch has the initials “AC” made up of twenty three cut diamonds, encircled by twenty six more. With a serial number that suggests it was manufactured somewhere between 1928 and 1929, the watch also includes the original 14k white gold chain which measures 12 inches.

This item is expected to be sold for over $25,000. One of the reasons it is such a valuable collectible is the fact that it is accompanied by the copy of an affidavit from Al Capone’s great grandson, Eric Griese. The affidavit reads: “"Shortly after the passing of Albert Francis 'Sonny' Capone, his daughter, Barbara Prince, nee Capone, a resident of California, delivered the watch described below to me, along with other personal property that at one time was the personal property of my great grandfather, Alphonse G. Capone. My great grandfather had given this material to my grandfather; my grandfather Albert Francis 'Sonny' Capone told his daughter Barbara Prince that this property was to be given to me following his death.”

One other remarkable item in this auction is a letter written by Bonnie Parker and signed by Clyde Barrow. The letter is addressed to ex Barrow gang member Raymond Hamilton who, at the time it was written (late April 1934) was in the Dallas County Jail. The letter is filled with gangster lingo and bitterness as it proves just how cruel Clyde Barrow could be with someone who lost his respect. The main purpose of the letter is to let Hamilton know just how the couple, especially Barrow felt about him. The letter even ends with the cold remark „I hope this will serve the purpose of letting you know that you can never expect the least of sympathy or assistance from me. So long.” This item was estimated at $40,000 but it is expected to be sold for a lot more.

Details on these items and other collectibles available in the Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen auction can be found in RR Auction’s online catalogue, on their website or social media. Starting this week, anyone interested can place a bid on any of the available items!