Lot 205

Al Capone Original Prisoner Transfer Form from Alcatraz! Excellent Provenance!

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Al Capone Original Prisoner Transfer Form from Alcatraz! Excellent Provenance!

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Current Bid: $1,000

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Al Capone
Washington, DC, ca. 1939
Al Capone Original Prisoner Transfer Form from Alcatraz! Excellent Provenance!
Document

Original United States Department of Justice "Record of Court Commitment" form issued for infamous Chicago gangster Alphonse "Al" Capone, documenting his incarceration at the Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island Jail. The typed institutional record identifies Capone under multiple aliases including "Alphonse Brown," "Al Brown," "Scarface Brown," and "Scarface Capone." The document records Capone's conviction for "Violating Income Tax Laws" in the Northern District of Illinois, Chicago, with a sentence of one year imprisonment and a substantial financial penalty. The form notes Capone's transfer and continued federal custody following his earlier imprisonment at Alcatraz and references prior federal institutional commitments. Expected toning, wear and handling consistent with original federal prison paperwork from the 1930s. Upper edge retains an original paper clip impression. Measures 7.75" x 10.375".

From the collection of Patterson Smith, a rare book dealer who also published many works focused on crime.

Al Capone remains one of the most notorious organized crime figures in American history. Rising to power during the Prohibition era as head of the Chicago Outfit, Capone controlled extensive bootlegging, gambling, and vice operations throughout Chicago during the 1920s. Despite widespread public belief linking him to violent organized crime activity, federal authorities ultimately secured his conviction on income tax evasion charges in 1931.

Capone's prosecution became a landmark moment in American law enforcement history, demonstrating the federal government's ability to dismantle organized crime operations through financial investigations rather than direct criminal prosecution for violent offenses. He served time at several federal institutions, most famously Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, before deteriorating health caused by neurosyphilis led to transfers and eventual release.

This 1939 commitment record reflects the final phase of Capone's federal imprisonment. We have not seen any examples of institutional prison records relating directly to Capone ever surface. Please note, the mugshot photograph in the auction listing is not included.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 10.375"
  • Medium: Document

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000