CAG Certifies Pieces of Tablecloth That Belonged to Al Capone
Posted on 3/9/2022
Collectibles Authentication Guaranty™ (CAG®) has encapsulated authentic pieces of an embroidered tablecloth that once belonged to infamous gangster Al Capone and his wife, Mae Capone. From the dining room table in the couple’s Florida home, the tablecloth passed down to two generations before being auctioned at Witherell’s and selling for $3,630 to University Archives.
 |
 |
| CAG-encapsulated fabric piece of Al Capone's tablecloth, from University Archives Click images to enlarge. |
|
When the tablecloth arrived at the facilities of University Archives, experts analyzed the cloth and carefully cut the fabric into pieces, a standard procedure that gives more collectors the opportunity to own a piece of history. University Archives contacted CAG to encapsulate each fabric piece using a scratch-resistant, tamper-evident holder designed for long-term preservation.
“CAG is the premium service in our industry used to encapsulate and document true provenance and is the most trusted by collectors,” said Luke Pascal, New Social Media Director & Research Associate at University Archives.
“These tablecloth pieces represent an important link to an era in American history that continues to captivate our attention,” said Mark Salzberg, Chairman of CAG. “CAG’s mission is to help preserve historical artifacts like these.”
 |
 |
| CAG-encapsulated fabric piece of Al Capone's tablecloth, from University Archives Click images to enlarge. |
|
The tablecloth was sold from Al Capone’s estate by his surviving granddaughters in October 2021. They decided to sell because they were advancing in years, and they wanted to show a side of their grandfather that the public has not seen, according to an article from The New York Times.
University Archives will offer a limited number of CAG-encapsulated tablecloth pieces in a sale in March. To view upcoming auctions at University Archives, click here.
 |
 |
| CAG-encapsulated fabric piece of Al Capone's tablecloth, from University Archives Click images to enlarge. |
|
Who was Al Capone?
From 1920 to 1933, a constitutional amendment prohibited buying, selling and consuming alcohol. Prohibition led to a lucrative underground business for some, like Al Capone, the boss of the Chicago Outfit. It was believed that Capone orchestrated the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre that targeted a rival gang. However, there was a lack of evidence to tie him to the crime, and during the fateful day in 1929, he was at his Florida home. Later, Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion but was released after seven years due to his declining health. He died in Florida in 1947.
About Collectibles Authentication Guaranty (CAG)
CAG works directly with collectors, estates, artists and museums to preserve the authenticity and provenance of memorabilia and estate items at the source. Memorabilia, estate items and other diverse collections benefit from CAG’s unique process, holders and expertise. With authenticity and provenance guaranteed, collectors have greater confidence, which results in a safer and more vibrant marketplace.
Related Links:
Stay Informed
Want news like this delivered to your inbox once a month? Subscribe to the free CAG eNewsletter today!