Description:

AL CAPONE'S PERSONAL TEACUP
ALPHONSE CAPONE (1899-1947) 'Scarface', famed American gangster and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His seven-year reign as a crime boss ended when he went to prison at the age of 33. An impressive and ornate relic from the estate of the notorious mob boss, a porcelain teacup with a matching saucer used by Capone and his family members. The teacup, 3.75 x 2.15 in., is from the Hutschenreuther firm 'Royal Bavarian' series. It bears a classic white background with an ornate 24K coin gold hand-engraved foliate border on the celadon rim. A black maker's stamp on the bottom reads 'Hutschenreuther/Selb Bavaria/China' and appears with the company logo. The saucer is of the identical style, 5.5 in. dia., and bears the same markings. Both pieces are in excellent, undamaged condition. As one would expect from a mob figure of Capone's stature, much of his life revolved around entertaining family, friends, business associates, and fellow mobsters with plentiful food and drink. While the planning of many criminal events likely occurred around his opulent dinner table, Capone was acutely aware of the needs of the less fortunate during the Great Depression, and he opened a soup kitchen at 935 South State Street in Chicago offering 'Free Soup, Coffee & Doughnuts for the Unemployed.' It served more than 2,000 people a day, reflecting Capone's generosity as it was enjoyed by the guests at his own lavish events. Purchased from Witherell Auctions who sold a large personal collection of Capone's property at their Oct. 8, 2021 auction sale. When Capone passed in 1947 his widow, Mae Capone, moved into the guest quarters and their Palm Island mansion remained a shrine until she sold it in 1952. To that end the select heirlooms, offered at the Witherell's auction, passed from Mae Capone to their only child Sonny Capone and then to his daughters. It was finally Capone's granddaughter, Barbara Capone, who brought the items to Witherell's for auction. Accompanied by the original catalog description, description from University Archives, and their COA.

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September 10, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000