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
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Szyk Picture
Could these be early drawings of America's most influential political cartoonist?
-
Also in Season 8
Duke Ellington Plates
What is the story behind the printing plates for this famous Jazz song?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Teddy Roosevelt War Club
What could this strange object have to do with Teddy Roosevelt and his run for a third term presidency?
-
Also in Season 9
Japanese Carved Cane
What can the message on this cane expose about life behind barbed wire in World War II America?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
1775 Almanac
What do these crumbling pages reveal about divided loyalties during the American Revolution?
-
Related Investigation
Manhattan Project Letter
Did this letter help persuade President Harry S. Truman to change policy in the post war era?
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.