In recent months, Andrew Howell, the owner of Thornton Distilling Company in Illinois, made a surprising discovery while inspecting a limestone wall. While looking for a conduit pathway, he found a fully loaded Colt 1908 pistol manufactured in 1921. This historic find is linked to the Prohibition era, a time when the distillery was under the control of notorious gangs, including those of Al Capone and Johnny Torrio. The gun was concealed in what appeared to be an old exhaust vent of a potbelly stove, suggesting it was hidden away many decades ago, potentially in the 1920s, around the height of Prohibition. Law enforcement confirmed that the weapon was free of any criminal past, and the ammunition looked to date back to the same period, shedding light on the interesting, yet turbulent, history of the site. Howell expressed both excitement and anxiety over the find, relieved that guests had not stumbled upon it while visiting the distillery, which regularly hosts tour groups. The distillery is part of a historic building that houses the oldest brewery in Illinois. This revelation adds to an array of other artifacts discovered at the site, including mid-1800s beer order postcards and pre-Prohibition signage. Howell anticipates showcasing the pistol alongside these artifacts, deepening the narrative of this historic location. Similarly, in a separate incident, a homeowner in the UK uncovered a mysterious brick chamber while digging in their 19th-century home. This structure, estimated to be about six feet wide and 13 feet long, stirred debates among enthusiasts on its purpose. As more unexpected discoveries are made during renovation and maintenance of historic homes, they serve as reminders of the past that remain buried beneath the surface.