Nighthawk Custom Engraved 1911 - "Prohibition"

The "Prohibition" Nighthawk Custom 1911 was a truly exceptional, one-of-one pistol that brought to life the iconic and tumultuous period in American history from 1920-1933. This hand-engraved masterpiece presented both the glamour and danger of Prohibition, with its imagery representing both the criminal underworld and the law enforcement that worked tirelessly to dismantle it.

On the left side of the pistol, the legendary mafia bosses, Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, were engraved on the slide, with John Dillinger—America’s infamous bank robber and bootlegger—captured in intricate .24K silver on the grips. The front of the slide depicted the iconic Speakeasy “Cotton Club” in New York City, with the lettering "COTTON CLUB" inlaid in 24K gold, evoking the allure of the Jazz Age and the Prohibition-era nightlife.

Above the slide, the famous Cotton Club dancer, Mildred Dixon, was immortalized, while the front sight of the pistol featured a whiskey bottle bearing the engraving “Prohibition – 13 Years.” The bottle was adorned with silver inlay and a red seal, a powerful symbol of the era.

The right side of the pistol paid tribute to “The Untouchables”—Prohibition agents Elliot Ness and Jimmy Malone—who famously brought down Al Capone in 1930. These agents were engraved on the slide and grips, with their badges inlaid in 24K gold. The engraving on the front of the slide portrayed the dramatic scene of confiscated whiskey barrels being destroyed, with the distilling container and tools inlaid in 24K gold. On the front strap of the frame, the engravings captured the moment when Al Capone was arrested and placed in handcuffs.

The accompanying wood display box was crafted from a 300-year-old oak barn, lined with luxurious blue Alcantara leather to provide an elegant and fitting showcase for this remarkable piece. As a special touch, the package included two bottles of Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition Whiskey—one for the collector to enjoy and the other to remain intact with the limited edition pistol. Cutty Sark Scotch Whiskey became a staple during Prohibition, as it was smuggled into the U.S. when domestic distilleries were destroyed.

This 1911 not only celebrated the history of the Prohibition era but also served as a stunning and tangible piece of Americana, capturing the essence of both the rebellion and the law that shaped this infamous chapter in U.S. history.