He became the leader in Chicago bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution during the Prohibition Era. His involvement in gang and liquor wars left hundreds of people dead in Chicago and its suburbs. Increasingly implicated in the corruption of political, law enforcement, and labor officials, he was convicted of income-tax evasion (1931) and sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment, serving part of his sentence on Alcatraz. DS, signed “Alphonse Capone,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 3, November 18, 1926. Loan interest note from the Lawndale National bank. Note reads, in full, “Due to the order of Ourselves Fifteen # Dollars $15.00 in gold coin of the United States of America of the present standard of weight and fineness, on the 18th day of May A. D. 1927 without grace, at the office of Lawndale National Bank in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, with interest after maturity until paid at the rate of seven per cent per annum, being for an installment of interest on our principal note No. 1 being of even date herewith, for the sum of $500.00.” Signed at the bottom in fountain pen, “Alphonse Capone,” and also signed by his mother Theresa Capone and his wife Mae Capone. Note is also endorsed on the reverse again in fountain pen, “Alphonse Capone,” and endorsed by Theresa and Mae as well. Note is beautifully archivally gilt and suede matted and framed on a hinge, to an overall size of 12.5 x 7, and in turn affixed by the hinge (so both sides may be viewed), to a very nice gilt suede matted and framed mug shot photo of Capone, to an overall size of 19.5 x 29.5. In fine condition, with “paid” bank stamp to lower right corner of note, barely noticeable faint rusty paperclip mark to top edge, trivial hole to left edge and another “paid” stamp on reverse over endorsements, not detracting from legibility. Capone’s autograph is as elusive to find in any form as the man himself was to catch! COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
