Al Capone's personally-owned and -used platinum rounded triangular pocket watch made by the Illinois Watch Company, measuring approximately 1.5 x 1.75, with the circumference of front bezel set with a series of seventy-two cut diamonds, a platinum face, and gold-tone impressed numerals and watch hands; the reverse of the case bears the initials "AC," which consists of twenty-three cut diamonds, and is encircled by twenty-six more. The interior of the case is marked "Illinois Watch, Springfield," with serial no. 5281719, and it contains a 17-jewel movement with gold wheels and jewel cups; the serial number indicates that the watch was manufactured between 1928 and 1929. Includes the original 12″ watch chain made of 14K white gold. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a copy of an affidavit from Eric Griese, the great-grandson of Al Capone, in part: "Shortly after the passing of Albert Francis 'Sonny' Capone, his daughter, Barbara Prince, nee Capone, a resident of California, delivered the watch described below to me, along with other personal property that at one time was the personal property of my great grand father, Alphonse G. Capone. My great grandfather had given this material to my grandfather; my grandfather Albert Francis 'Sonny' Capone told his daughter Barbara Prince that this property was to be given to me following his death." Also accompanied by a photo of the Griese family with 'Sonny' Capone holding an infant. 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.’ Eager to be perceived as an elegant gentleman, the formidable Capone was fastidious about his appearance and style, forgoing subtlety in favor of fine, flashy suits, large pinky rings, and no shortage of diamonds. Capone insisted that his Chicago Outfit also dress the part, and required each of his men to wear gray fedoras and spotless tailored suits. Supported by excellent provenance direct from the Capone family, this brilliant pocket watch exudes all of the ritz and power redolent of the Windy City’s most notorious gangster.
