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.