Mob Museum Acquires Historic Thompson Submachine Gun

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The Thompson submachine gun, a significant artifact from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, on display at the Mob Museum.

News Summary

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas has announced the acquisition of a Thompson submachine gun linked to the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This historic weapon, found in the home of one of the gunmen, will be on public display starting July 23. The museum will showcase this alongside other significant artifacts like Al Capone’s personal Colt 1911 pistol, offering visitors a deeper insight into organized crime history.

Las Vegas – The Mob Museum has announced the acquisition of a Thompson submachine gun that was used in the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, which took place on February 14, 1929. This weapon, often referred to as a “Tommy gun,” was discovered in the home of one of the notorious gunmen involved in the massacre and is now set to go on public display starting Wednesday, July 23.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre remains one of the most infamous events in organized crime history, where seven members of Chicago’s North Side Gang were brutally executed. The incident has long been surrounded by speculation regarding who ordered the killings, with Chicago Outfit leader Al Capone being a prominent figure in many theories surrounding the event.

One of the gunmen, Fred Burke, has been historically linked to the incident. Forensic expert Dr. Calvin Goddard was able to connect Burke’s Thompson submachine gun to the crime scene through forensic analysis. This particular weapon’s presence in the museum is a significant addition to the collection, as it provides visitors with a tangible piece of evidence from a pivotal moment in American crime history.

In addition to the Thompson submachine gun, the Mob Museum will also be featuring a new exhibit titled “The First Public Enemy,” which includes Al Capone’s personal Colt 1911 pistol, affectionately known as “Sweetheart.” This firearm was present during many of Capone’s perilous encounters and is now placed alongside significant artifacts linked to the mob era. The exhibit will also showcase a silent home movie captured by Capone in the same year as the massacre, featuring Capone mingling with fellow mobsters such as Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello.

The Mob Museum is dedicated to providing an in-depth exploration of organized crime in America and the law enforcement efforts to combat it. Visitors interested in examining the Thompson submachine gun and Capone’s Colt 1911 pistol can purchase tickets through the museum’s official website.

The opportunity to see these historic firearms provides visitors with insights not only into the violent reality of organized crime during the Prohibition era but also into the figures who became synonymous with it. The Mob Museum continues to curate exhibits that highlight both the myth and reality of mobster life, exploring how these figures shaped American culture and society.

Capone’s granddaughter, Diane Capone Pette, has taken steps to ensure her grandfather’s legacy is preserved and remembered. She has auctioned off numerous personal items once belonging to Capone to prevent them from being lost or mishandled. This effort to maintain Capone’s legacy reinforces the importance of historical context in understanding the figures that ruled the criminal underworld.

Both exhibits—featuring the Thompson submachine gun and Capone’s pistol—will provide a unique chance for the public to engage with significant artifacts that encapsulate an era notorious for its mob violence. The Mob Museum not only serves as an educational facility but also as a repository of stories and artifacts that have shaped America’s narrative concerning crime and justice.

For those wishing to experience these historical treasures firsthand, the Mob Museum encourages guests to visit after the exhibit opens on July 23. Admission will provide visitors with the chance to connect with the dramatic history of organized crime in the United States.