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.
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Lot 238

Rare Virgil Earp at 19-Years-Old Photograph

Estimate: $400 - $600
Starting Bid
$125

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
The lot features a photograph of Virgil Earp of Tombstone, Arizona Territory at the age of 19-years-old which is from the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum collection (was on display there) and the John Gilchrease collection. The photograph features a portrait shot of Virgil Earp prior to his enlistment in the Union Army at 19 years old. Virgil Earp was born on July 18, 1843, in Hartford, Kentucky, and became one of the most well-known lawmen of the American Old West. At the age of 19, in 1862, Virgil enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving as a private in Company C of the 83rd Illinois Infantry Regiment. This early experience shaped his disciplined approach to law enforcement in the years to come. After the war, he held various law enforcement roles across the West, ultimately becoming city marshal of Tombstone, Arizona, during the turbulent events leading to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881. He was ambushed and badly wounded later that year but continued to serve in public roles despite his injuries. Virgil Earp died on October 19, 1905, in Goldfield, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy as a steadfast and respected peace officer. The condition of this Virgil Earp photograph is well preserved with no obvious signs of damage and shows a well preserved overall condition. This is from the John Gilchrease ex---collection a museum edition. The measurements of this framed photograph is 10 5/8" x 8 3/4". The collective weight of this photograph is 12oz.

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