What was Al Capone’s calling card, according to his profession?
Al Capone, one of the most famous gangsters in history, is especially known for his crimes during Prohibition and his influence in the Chicago underworld. His reputation as a criminal is widely known, but a lesser-known detail of his life is his business card, where his profession was marked in a rather surprising way.
Al Capone’s business card
Al Capone’s business card listed his occupation as “used furniture dealer”. Of course, this was a cover story, the purpose of which was to fool the authorities and other parties about his real activities. Capone used this cover story to protect himself and his businesses, which were mainly related to illegal alcohol smuggling, gambling, and other criminal activities.
Why just a used furniture dealer?
The choice to mark the profession as a dealer in freshly used furniture was not accidental. This profession was mundane and uninteresting enough not to attract too much attention. It also provided Capone with an opportunity to explain large sums of money and business that might otherwise have raised suspicions.
Al Capone’s criminal activities
Although Capone tried to cover up his true activities, his criminal empire was widely known. He dominated the Chicago underworld and was responsible for many violent acts, including the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. Capone managed to avoid serious charges for a long time, but was finally convicted of tax evasion in 1931.
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Al Capone’s business card is an interesting detail that tells a lot about his ability to manipulate and fool the authorities. Although he is best known as a criminal, his knack for covering his tracks and creating believable cover stories is also part of his legacy.
