Lot 378

C.S. Fly Photo of T.M.&M.Co. Charleston, A.T. 1881

Estimate: $900 - $1,400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is an original circa 1881 C.S. Fly Tombstone, A.T. photograph of Charleston, Arizona Territory. The photograph shows the Mills Smelter and office of T. M. & M. Co., the Tombstone Mining and Milling Company, at Charleston, Arizona Territory, as is handwritten by the photographer on the back. The piece also has the original C.S. Fly, "Fly's Gallery Tombstone, A.T." stamp on the back as well. This is an original, large boudoir albumen photograph from C.S. Fly's gallery. C.S. Fly, Camillus “Buck” Sydney Fly (1849-1901) is one of the most noted photographers of the Old West, he and his wife Mary, also a photographer, moved to Tombstone in 1879 and established a photography studio there. Fly was an eyewitness of October 26, 1881, to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place outside his photography studio. He was one of the earliest known photojournalists of the Old West and the only known photographer to take images of Native Americans while they were still at war with the U.S. He later served as Cochise County Sheriff from 1895 to 1897, Since most of his negatives were destroyed by fires, his photographs are highly prized. Charleston had a lawless reputation and was connected to many of the infamous characters associated with the Gunfight at O.K. Corral in Tombstone which involved the Earp Brothers, Doc Holiday and the Cowboys. Charleston was located about 8-miles away from Tombstone. Noted outlaw Frank Stilwell owned a saloon in Charleston, before selling it to Jacob W. Swart in 1881; The Clanton Ranch, owned by “Old Man” Clanton, and run by his sons John, Phin, Ike and Billy, was located near town with most of the most notable outlaws being employed there including the Clanton’s, Johnny Ringo, “Curly Bill” Brocius, Pete Spence, as well as Frank and Tom McLaury. The photograph is well kept showing a nice crisp image on a large boudoir card stock and is clearly and correctly stamped on the back as well as handwritten by the photographer. Comes in a clear protective display that is marked with the museum info. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum and John D. Gilchreise collections. Photo measures 8.5-inches by 5.25-inches. Museum Number: LO-79.

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