North American Auction Company
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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.
North American Auction Company tucker@naabid.com
Lot 146

Rare Original C.S. Fly Photograph of S. L. Hart

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,000
Starting Bid
$500

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 a Rare Original C.S. Fly Cabinet Card of S. L. Hart, Gunsmith, Tombstone, Arizona Territory circa 1890s. Provenance: Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, Tombstone, Arizona. Camillus “Buck” Sidney Fly (1849-1901), more commonly known simply as “CS Fly,” is most noted for his many photographs during Tombstone, Arizona's wild and wooly days. The original 1862 photograph was copied by C. S. Fly for Hart to give to Hart's daughter, Minnie. A "Copied Work" stamp is between Fly's hallmark, "Fly's Gallery, Tombstone, A. Z." The photograph was a remake of his Civil War photo when Hart was a Second Lieutenant with Company C, Wisconsin 10th Infantry. Upon leaving the Army, Mr. Hart resumed his gunsmith trade, first in Menasha and continuing later, when he and his brothers moved west. He set up a gunsmithing business in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. Over his ten years in Tombstone, S.L. Hart became one of the town's leading citizens and businessmen. His daughter Minnie taught school in Tombstone's first school house. If gun repairs were needed, Hart's on Freemont Street was the place to go, located just a short distance from the famous Fly Photography studio and right next door to the O.K. Corral. Hart was a very highly regarded and skilled gunsmith. Guns that were re-worked or repaired by Hart were often stamped with his logo, which was the letters S and L over a "heart," an artistic yet compact and simple way of saying "S.L. Hart." S.L. was entrusted with both basic repairs as well as also sought out for his special colt pistols. Some of Hart's more notable clients were Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Ike Clanton and Buckskin Frank Leslie. On Oct. 26th of 1881 Hart, while working in his store, would be one of the relatively few witnesses to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral that made Tombstone and the Earp's famous. C. S. Fly was also a witness to the gunfight as his studio was next door. It has been said that the legacy of S.L. Hart as gunsmith to the cowboys, gamblers, lawmen, and gunfighters of Tombstone cannot be over estimated. A "Tombstone" Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Hart's markings on it sold at a Rock Island Auction Company 2010 auction for $32,500.00. Today a firearm with the "S.L. Hart" stamp is almost priceless. A Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label in the face of the clear protective plastic sleeve, "C. S. Fly's remake of his Civil War photo which S. L. Hart gave to his daughte, Minnie. Original photo was taken in 1862 Notice "Copied work" stamp", museum code, "TTP-15" On the reverse in period handwritten ink, "Samuel L. Hart 1st Lieut. - 10th Wis. Inf. Asst Signal Officer U.S.A. Louisville Ky. March 1862 Age 32 Years Minnie J Hart". This extremely rare gold gilt edged cabinet card is in amazingly preserved condition, age tanning noted consistent with age and use. Card measures 4.25"W x 6.5"L, plastic sleeve is 5.75"W x 7.25"L, combined weight is U6

After you have succeessfully completed your purchase, including payment of your item, the shipping process will begin. Our company has partnered with a few local third party shipping vendors. Shipping will be handled between these third party business and the buyer. Auction company is not responsible for shipment or any duties there-in unless stated below. Firearms will be shipped by our company. Once you invoice has been paid for contact Mark at 800-686-4216 ext. 3 for shipping infomation on firearms. After your invoice has been paid one of the below third party shippers will pickup your items. Once these companies have created a shipping quote for you they will contract you using the contact information you have provided on your auction registration. Make sure to include the shipping address and correct contact information for a success shipping experience. For questions on shipping please contract the companies below or JoEllen at 800-686-4216 ext. 1 For shipping quotes please contract the companies below: "The UPS Store” #2420 1106 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-222-4971 Fax: 406-222-9257 Email: store2420@theupsstore.com Postal Annex 280 West Kagy Boulevard D, Bozeman, MT 59715 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, CLOSED Phone: 406-219-2210 Fax: 406-219-2209 Email: pa14012@postalannex.com