Loaded Al Capone-Era Pistol Discovered Hidden in Illinois Distillery Wall
THORNTON, Ill. — In a remarkable find that bridges the present with the Prohibition era, the owner of the Thornton Distilling Company recently uncovered a loaded pistol dating back to the 1920s concealed within the walls of the historic distillery. The firearm, a Colt 1908 manufactured in 1921, was discovered inside what appeared to be an abandoned exhaust vent of an underground limestone well on the property.
Andrew Howell, founder of the distillery, expressed relief upon the discovery, emphasizing the potential danger of the loaded weapon remaining hidden for so long. “We were shocked to find a fully loaded gun from the Al Capone era sealed in the wall,” Howell told reporters. “It’s a piece of history, but also a reminder of the turbulent times during Prohibition.”
The Thornton Distilling Company occupies the oldest standing brewery building in Illinois, established in 1857. During Prohibition, the site was reportedly under the control of notorious crime figures including the Capone and Torrio families, as well as the Chicago Outfit. This historical connection adds significant context to the discovery of the pistol, which likely dates back to the height of organized crime’s influence in the region.
The Colt 1908 pistol, chambered for .380 ACP rounds, was found loaded and intact, sealed away in a limestone well’s exhaust vent — a hiding spot that likely kept it preserved for over a century. Experts note that firearms from this era were commonly used by gangsters and law enforcement alike, making the find a tangible link to the Prohibition-era underworld.
Authorities were notified immediately after the discovery, and agents from local law enforcement conducted a controlled removal of the weapon to ensure public safety. The incident underscores the importance of careful preservation and inspection of historic sites, especially those with ties to America’s complex past.
For those interested in the broader history of Prohibition and organized crime, resources such as the FBI’s Al Capone case files provide detailed accounts of the era’s law enforcement challenges. Additionally, the National Park Service offers extensive information on Prohibition’s impact on American society.
Thornton Distilling Company’s discovery also highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve and interpret historic industrial sites. The National Park Service’s Historic Preservation program supports such initiatives nationwide, ensuring that artifacts and structures from pivotal periods remain accessible and informative for future generations.
As the distillery continues its operations, blending modern craft with historic legacy, the unexpected find serves as a vivid reminder of the building’s storied past. Howell and his team are working with historians and law enforcement to document the pistol and its context thoroughly, hoping to share this unique piece of history with the public in a safe and educational manner.
The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the site, drawing visitors and historians alike eager to explore the tangible remnants of an era defined by both innovation and infamy. For more information on firearm safety and regulations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provides comprehensive guidance.
In uncovering this loaded relic from a bygone era, the Thornton Distilling Company has not only revealed a fascinating artifact but also opened a window into the complex history of Prohibition, crime, and resilience in Illinois.
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