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Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Auction: The Earp Brothers & Cowboys

Sat, Jul 26, 2025 11:00AM EDT
  2025-07-26 11:00:00 2025-07-26 11:00:00 America/New_York North American Auction Company North American Auction Company : Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Auction: The Earp Brothers & Cowboys https://live.naabid.com/auctions/north-american-auction/tombstone-western-heritage-museum-auction-the-earp-brothers-cowboys-20021
Join North American Auction Company on July 26th for a once-in-a-lifetime auction of the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Collection. This extraordinary sale features the largest private collection of Tombstone history, including rare and historic pieces tied to Wyatt Earp, the Earp Brothers, and the infamous Cochise Cowboys. From original artifacts, outlaw relics, and the largest collection of C.S. Fly photographs, this is a can’t-miss event for collectors of the Old West’s most legendary chapter.
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Lot 684

Hine-Watt MFG Co. "Columbia Model C" Carbide Lamp

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$50

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
For your consideration is this Hine-Watt Manufacturing Company, "Columbia Model C Automatic" carbide bike lamp made in Chicago from 1899-1915. The company was first mentioned in the Chicago City Directory in 1898 and was originally located at 14-16 North Canal St., Chicago. Lucius A. Hine was president, and Sern P. Watt was vice president. Watt was given at least 15 patents, including three for gas lamps and one for gas lamp burners. In 1915, the company's address was shifted to 180 North Market St., and it was classified as an automobile components supplier. By 1918, the company had stopped operating. In 1899, the business created the "Columbia Model C Automatic" gas lamp, which quickly became popular. The lamp was offered in both nickel plate and gunmetal finishes, as described in patent No. 662,842 given to Sern Watt on November 27, 1900. This lamp was modified with a larger diameter base and a bail handle across the top for use as an underground lantern or in other applications. This lamp does not feature the bail handle but instead has a bike bar connector on the back. It is marked on the left and right side as well as the bottom reading, "Hine-Watt MFG Co. Chicago, U.S.A. / Columbia Model C Automatic / Patented Oct 10, 1899, Dec 12,1899, Nov 27, 1900". It utilizes a carbide construction, using water and calcium carbide to create a chemical reaction that produces acetylene gas. The gas is feed through a small tube into the lighting area where the gas is lit. It produced a bright, white flame creating adequate lighting for the dark roads. The right and left side of the lighting area feature cut jewels, a red and a green for visibility on the sides of the lamp. The lamp shows good condition overall with slight wear present from its age and use over the years, but no signs of major damage is noted. It measures 6 3/4" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H and weighs 1 pound and 8 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona.

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