RE: St. Valentines Day Shotgun
This is per K. Stanonik's post on a shotgun "PURPORTEDLY" used in the St. Valentines Day massacre.
Sorry I wasn't able to post before the thread was locked.
At one time I had a interest in historical arms. This type of question re: the authentication of these firearms, was quite common.
This is my 2 cents, on the steps that have to be taken in a attempt to authenticate the shotgun.
1), The family oral history has to be transcribed and notarized.
2), The history of the Grandfather has to be traced through Census data, police reports, newspaper clipings etc. He has to be verified as being in Chicago and having a association with Al Capone at the time of the massacre.
3), The Shotgun has to be traced, if possible. Who was it manufactured by? When was it manufactured? Can the serial number be traced? Can it be verified as being in possession of the Grandfather and his descendants for the last 75 years? etc. etc.
4), If all the above research proves positive? It might be possible to ballistically tie the shotgun to the two shotgun shells found at the crime scene. If they are still available.
Sorry I wasn't able to post before the thread was locked.
At one time I had a interest in historical arms. This type of question re: the authentication of these firearms, was quite common.
This is my 2 cents, on the steps that have to be taken in a attempt to authenticate the shotgun.
1), The family oral history has to be transcribed and notarized.
2), The history of the Grandfather has to be traced through Census data, police reports, newspaper clipings etc. He has to be verified as being in Chicago and having a association with Al Capone at the time of the massacre.
3), The Shotgun has to be traced, if possible. Who was it manufactured by? When was it manufactured? Can the serial number be traced? Can it be verified as being in possession of the Grandfather and his descendants for the last 75 years? etc. etc.
4), If all the above research proves positive? It might be possible to ballistically tie the shotgun to the two shotgun shells found at the crime scene. If they are still available.
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I would think that your 4) would be the most critical. If you can't link the gun to the massacre, nothing else matters.
I can understand the family's fear that the shotgun might be confiscated. Despite the passage of time, some DA may claim that it is still an open homicide. But, the family's only chance of establishing provenance lies with a forensic evidence report that can only come from a police crime lab. So, it's not really much of a gamble; without law enforcement getting involved, the shotgun has no historic value.
If it were me, I'd phone the DA & offer to turn the gun in. I'd ask the local TV station if they wanted to film the transaction (the tape would add to the provenance, if it turns out to be the real deal.) Once the investigation is completed, they will probably be able to get the shotgun returned, unless it is listed as stolen.
Neal0 -
As bad as I hate to say it, my advice would be to get a lawyer involved. Unless it's been abused, a lab need only compare spent shells from your acquaintance's shotgun with those recovered at the scene to confirm it's involvement. Once this is done, the legalities of who gets legal custody of the shotgun could be addressed while it's still in their hands.
It may seem a strange reference point, but I remember hearing that Jack Ruby's revolver went for around 300K at auction.
One way or another, I hope K. Stanonik keeps us posted. I've heard enough to at least be interested in whether or not it's deemed genuine.0
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