Auctions | October 20, 2022

Al Capone Letters Reveal Glimpse Into Mobster's Mind

Hindman

Autograph letter signed twice ("Al Capone", "Al"), to Bill Sells ("Friend Sells") Chicago, 14 January 1925

Chicago – Hindman will present one of the most significant groups of letters written by notorious American gangster Al Capone to ever come to market in its November 9 Books & Manuscripts auction. These letters illuminate “Scarface’s” thinking during prohibition and his years with the Chicago Outfit. Al Capone letters are highly rare, with examples from this prohibition period being virtually unobtainable. Only four Al Capone letters have been sold at auction in at least the last 50 years, none of which featured content as compelling as exhibited here, both in terms of the time they were written and the stories they tell.

“These letters, written by Capone to his friends, mark some of the most pivotal moments in his time with the Chicago Outfit, discussing the 1925 attempt on his life, bootlegging, and the establishment of Cicero as the gang’s new headquarters just outside of Chicago in 1929,” commented Hindman’s Vice President & Senior Specialist for Books & Manuscripts Gretchen Hause. “We know of no examples of Capone letters to come to market from this prime period of his life, when his influence on organized crime in Chicago was at its apex.”

Hindman

Autograph letter signed (as "Al Brown"), to Bill [Sells]. Chicago, IL, 14 June 1924

Hindman

Typed letter unsigned, to Bill Sells ("Friend Bill"). Philadelphia, 13 December 1929.

These three letters written from Capone to his trusted friends William and Lowrene Sell, owners of the gangster’s favorite Wisconsin resort getaway, remained in the family for several generations, but will now be offered for sale for the first time. Highlighting the group is an exceptional handwritten letter from Capone, written from Cicero in 1924 (lot 560; $12,000-18,000). Capone writes urgently to William (Bill) Sells imploring him: “I want you to find that bootlegger...tell him I want him to come right away to Chicago,” and noting that he “[has] a big order for him.”

Another letter in the offering was written by Capone two days after the January 1925 assassination attempt on his life to let the Sells know that he’s alright (lot 561; estimate: $10,000-15,000). North Side Gang members attempted to kill Capone at a South Side, Chicago restaurant, and while Capone escaped injury, the letter demonstrates that he is still clearly shaken, including a line that reads: “Well Pal things have been so darn exciting that I haven’t had time to change clothes.” In a 1929 letter (lot 562; estimate: $3,000-4,000), Capone writes to Sells to inquire about real estate in Wisconsin, a state in which both he and his brother would eventually own homes.

Accompanying these letters is a Colt New Army & Navy Revolver Model from 1896 (lot 564; estimate: $5,000 - 7,000) that is believed to have been used by Capone, alongside modern reprints of photographs in the family's collection showing Capone, his associates, and a female companion. An archive of ephemera (lot 563; estimate: $800 - 1,200), including photographs, negatives, and matchbooks from Capone will also be featured.

Bidding for the November 9th auction will begin at 9am CT, and will be available in-person at Hindman’s Chicago saleroom, via absentee bid, via telephone, and online via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room. Additional information about the auction can be found here.