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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 63

Sheriff Earp & Killing of T. Waters Weekly Nugget

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
Starting Bid
$300

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 are two framed pages from Tombstone, Arizona's "The Weekly Nugget" newspaper from July 29th, 1880, talking about the killing of Tom Waters and Wyatt Earp being appointed Deputy Sheriff. The article "The Killing of Tom Waters" describes an incident that occurred on a Thursday evening in 1880. Tom Waters, who had recently acquired new clothes, including a brilliantly colored shirt, was annoyed when friends made jokes about his outfit. Under the influence of alcohol, he threatened to strike the next person who commented on his shirt. Shortly after, E.L. Bradshaw, a friend who was uninformed of Waters' previous statement, casually mentioned the new shirt. Waters launched an aggressive attack, knocking Bradshaw down before walking away. Bradshaw, hurt, cleaned himself up and returned approximately 45 minutes later. He confronted Waters and questioned why he had struck him. Waters explained that it was because Bradshaw had mocked him. Bradshaw then brought out his pistol and shot Waters multiple times. The fatal wound occurred on the top of Waters' head. Bradshaw did not try to flee and was detained. The following morning, a coroner's inquest was convened to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The jury's judgment determined the cause of death, and Bradshaw was jailed until further legal processes. According to the article, Waters was renowned for his generally pleasant demeanor but got quarrelsome after drinking. It also implies that others may have been seeking vengeance on Bradshaw at the time of the shooting. Towards the bottom is a very small article telling the readers that "Sheriff Shibell has appointed Wyatt Earp Deputy Sheriff for this precinct". The newspaper also features advertisements for numerous stores and various other news articles. The newspaper pages show good condition overall with slight wear present from their age and use over the years, but no major signs of damage are noted. The newspapers measure 21 1/8" L x 15" W, while the entire piece measures 26 7/8" L x 35" W x 1 3/8" D. It weighs 10 pounds and 4 ounces.

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