bears a four inch barrel, Colt logo stamped on the left side, with factory-original wood grips with

Colt logos in relief. Colt records indicate that this pistol was manufactured in 1939, the year

Capone was released from federal prison. This historic weapon originates from the estate of

Ralph "Bottles" Capone (1893-1974). While closely linked to the activities of his younger brother,

Al, Ralph never became a top Chicago mobster or racketeer, such as Sam "Momo" Giancana,

Paul Ricca & Tony Accardo. As was his brother, Ralph was also imprisoned for income tax

evasion, and was said to have been involved in the national syndicate's gambling and vice

rackets, but such charges were never proven. He was given the nickname "Bottles" because he

operated a legitimate business distributing bottled water in Chicago. Ralph's relationship with

brother Al was a close one, and the two spent a great deal of time in Mercer, Wisconsin for rest

and relaxation, with Ralph settling in the resort town permanently. At some point in time, likely

within a few years of his release from prison, Ralph was entrusted with the care of some of Al's

possessions, including among other things his rosary, baptismal medal, and this pistol. Upon

Ralph's death, the relics were passed on to his widow, Madeleine Capone, and per the terms of

Ralph's will, the gun was given to longtime friend Edmund Koeski in 1976.

$95,000.

Contact

M.I.T. MEMORABILIA  INC.
         Gary J. Zimet \ Curator
         P.O. Box 37
         Washingtonville, NY 10992
         Phone (845) 496 6699
         Fax (845) 496-6367
         VIE1@aol.com