Amazing pairing of Cook County Jail double-sided inmate record cards, 11 x 7, individually signed by Al Capone and his brother Ralph Capone. The highlight is Al Capone's inmate record card, signed "Alphonse Capone," stamp-dated October 24, 1931, listing his personal and physical data, including height (5' 11"), weight ("255"), age ("32"), descent ("Italian"), religion ("Cath."), education ("8th Grade"), and occupation ("Garage Bus."—perhaps a clever nod to his reported involvement in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which took place in a garage at 2122 North Clark Street in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood).
Even more significantly, the card boasts a physical chart that identifies the scar on his face—the inspiration for his iconic nickname, 'Scarface'—as well as a wound on his right hand. Finally, the record reports no signs of fits, scabies, syphilis, or gonorrhea—a curious finding, as Capone had almost certainly contracted syphilis by this time, and it would contribute to his deteriorating health and eventual death in 1947. On the reverse, Capone's cell block ("D") and floor ("5") are indicated, as are his previous arrests ("Several") and his concealed-carry conviction in Philadelphia ("Phila—C.C.W."). Lastly, the card denotes his transfer to federal prison on May 3, 1932, when he was "Del'd to U.S. Marshall." In very good condition, with staining, tears, and edge loss, none of which affect the signature of Al Capone.
On October 18, 1931, Al Capone was convicted of three felony counts of tax evasion and two misdemeanor counts of failing to file a tax return. He was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, and ordered to pay court costs, a fine of $50,000, and $215,000 plus interest for back taxes. While awaiting the outcome of his appeal—which was denied—Capone was housed in Cook County Jail, a stint that produced this remarkable inmate record. As indicated here, Capone was transferred to the United States Penitentiary, Atlanta, in May 1932, where he spent two years before being famously relocated to Alcatraz.
Included is a Cook County Jail inmate record card for his brother, signed "Ralph J. Capone," stamp-dated November 5, 1931, similarly listing his personal data, physical history, and transfer into federal custody on November 6, 1931. Ralph Capone, who had been deemed 'Public Enemy Number Three' by the Chicago Crime Commission, was also convicted of income tax fraud. Ralph Capone's inmate record is in fine condition. On November 6, 1931, the New York Times ran a piece under the headline: 'Jail Ralph Capone As He Surrenders; Federal Officers Will Soon Take Him From Chicago to Leavenworth to Begin 3-Year Term. Brother In Near-By Cell: He May Not Accompany Him to Prison—New Appeal Goes to Federal Supreme Court.' These sensational prison records—two of the most significant in the annals of American organized crime—document the Capones' dual presence in Cook County Jail in the autumn of 1931, and the downfall of one of the legendary criminal figures of the 20th century.
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