Support provided by:
The Case:
History Detectives stares down the barrel of a shotgun for clues that one of Al Capone’s men fired it in a Chicago gang massacre that shocked the nation.
The gun came to our contributor’s family after it was handed down through two generations of prominent Chicago families. It’s a Western Field single-barreled repeating action 12-gauge shotgun. The barrel and the stock were once shortened just the way the Capone gang liked its guns: easy to conceal and with more destructive force.
History Detectives tests the gun’s firepower, consults with ballistics experts, and combs through physical evidence to see if the gun can be placed at the scene of the crime.
Season 9, Episode 11
Season 8, Episode 7
Season 7, Episode 3
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Location:Chicago, Illinois
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Nesbit Portrait
Is this portrait a lost masterpiece by one of America's greatest artists?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Amelia Earhart Plane
Was this piece of metal ripped from one of the most famous missing planes in history?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Howard Hughes Invention
Was this oil drilling device really a Howard Hughes invention?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Independence Trumpet
Is a Pennsylvania man's trumpet somehow tied to the Revolutionary War?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Siberian Bullet
What can this bullet reveal about the hidden agenda of American forces in a fight against Soviet Communism?
-
Also in Season 9
The Ni'ihau Incident
What do these metal parts reveal about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have an object from an Emerging Modern America?
- Latest CommentI am tremendously happy i have come across this particular website. (17 hours ago)
- TwitterHappy Birthday, Bob Dylan! 71-y o today. Our premiere episode explores the Dylan guitar that changed R&R history. July 17, 9p/8p C. Watch! (2 days ago)
- FacebookIt wasn't until I sat in a class taught by Inez Turley at Mesa Community College that the study of the past became a passion for me. Who was the teacher that inspired you? --Eduardo (2 days ago)