Al Capone’s Legendary ‘Sweetheart’ Pistol Finds a Home in Vegas
The pistol dates back to 1912 and was originally left to Capone’s wife, Mae, after his death. According to family accounts, the gun saved Capone’s life on multiple occasions during his criminal career. His granddaughter, Diane Capone, expressed satisfaction that the firearm now has a permanent home in the museum.
Capone’s criminal empire included bootlegging, gambling, and violent rackets, most infamously the 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. The newly acquired Colt will be displayed alongside evidence from that massacre, one of the bloodiest gangland slayings in US history.
The weapon was sold at auction in 2021 before being donated to the museum by a private contributor. The Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation also supported its acquisition. Museum officials stated that the addition strengthens their exhibits, offering visitors deeper insight into Capone’s violent legacy.
The Colt M1911 now joins other artefacts detailing Al Capone’s reign as a crime boss. Its display alongside massacre evidence provides a clearer picture of Prohibition-era gang warfare. The museum’s collection continues to grow with items tied to America’s organized crime history.
