Looks like another "historic" gun for sale

[jondar]

Posted - 04/15/2018 :  9:18:08 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
https://www.GunBroker.com/item/764910229

One of the people who sells a lot of guns on gunbroker.com is handling this gun to sell as belonging at one time to Al Capone.  Have tried to attach a link but not sure I know how to.  Anyway the story goes, this Colt Model 1913 (a new one on me) in .25 ACP belonged to Alphonse .  The grip panel became damaged and Al took it to his gunsmith and traded it to him for another .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
The gunsmith years later sold it to a gentleman who insisted on the gunsmith including a notarized afadavit stipifying the gun had belonged to Al.  The copy of the afadavit accompanies the gun when sold.

As far as I have known all the .25 Colt pistols were Model 1908's but I could be wrong on that.  The bidding started at a penny and is now up to $250.00.  Members of the gun forum kind of laugh at this and the bidding is on the gun itself no matter who previously owned it.

The notorized afadavit means nothing as far as guaranteeing who previously owned the gun. IMO

[mart]

Shucks,, I didn`t even read the Gunbroker emails today !! I am a member there too !!  But here is the deal,, No provenance,, just a story !! Can`t imagine Capone owning a .25,, .38 would be more likely !!  Yes,, I know a .25 is just as deadly but it just doesn`t sound right !!  On top of that,, wonder how many guns he owned over the years !!

[Ipcress]

“ It isn't often that you can add something to your collection that literally EVERYONE will recognize “

What a crock.

[jondar]

Mart:  Yes you''re right, the .38 revolver accounted for a lot of bodies. and the .45 Auto and Thompson rated highly.  Somehow I just can't see Scarface carrying that little .25.

[Rauville]

Looks like one of those cheap Spanish knockoffs that they were making between WWI and the civil war in Spain. I just can't see Mr. Capone ever using something as inexpensive and "yawn producing" as that poor little thing.

[SophieMarie]

It's now at $355.00!

[Ipcress]

Looks like one of those cheap Spanish knockoffs that they were making between WWI and the civil war in Spain. I just can't see Mr. Capone ever using something as inexpensive and "yawn producing" as that poor little thing.

Perhaps it was used by Alan Capone, of Hot Springs, AR ?

[cogar]

During his early crime career, in the 1920’s, when he was in his early 20’s and a bodyguard for Johnny Torrio, I’m fairly sure that Capone probably carried a .38 or a .45, maybe one of each or two of the same.

But when Alfonse became “boss” of the Chicago Outfit he sure as heck didn’t need to be “packing” a lot of “heavy hardware” on his person, such as bulky .38s or .45s.

“DUH”, that was the job of Al’s bodyguards. 

But carrying a nice widdle light .25 in one’s vest pocket is just an added bit of “insurance” to hedge against “close encounters” of the dangerous kind.

Read more bio details @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Capone

[jondar]

Rauville, I finally woke up to that fact, it isn't a Colt.  Can anybody read the name on the damaged grip panel??

[mart]

Not me,, having to read on my phone,  at hosp with hubby.,will try to catch up tomorrow!!

[ghopper1924]

Please give your husband our best wishes, Mart!

[Ipcress]

Rauville, I finally woke up to that fact, it isn't a Colt.  Can anybody read the name on the damaged grip panel??

On the grip it says “ CAL-6.35 “ with a crowned lion within a circle beneath that text.

English text on the barrel “ 1913 Automatic Pistol “

A quick google tells me it could have been made by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar in the 1920s

[mart]

Thanks ghopper,  he had an abdominal anduryism repaired.  All went well and we will be home tomorrow. I am not going to back up and correct spelling.  You know what I meant.  Got to get a bigger phone!!

[KC]

Mart, so sorry to hear!  Know you/he are in my prayers for a quick recovery!

[SophieMarie]

Mart,
I'm glad all went well.  Keep us posted!