North American Auction Company
Live Auction

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 162

Sheriff Howard Durst New Mexico Coach Gun 19th C.

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Starting Bid
$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
For your consideration is this Antique N.R. Davis & Co. Double Barrel Side-by-Side Coach Gun chambered in 10 gauge, circa 1881 to 1890s. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. This coach gun was owned by Howard Durst, Sheriff of Fairview, New Mexico. As with many towns in the growing Wild West, when gold was discovered in Chloride, New Mexico, prospectors soon rushed into the area looking to hit it big. As Chloride grew, some thought it was getting too crowded and rowdy. Soon, a new town sprang up two miles to the northwest, Fairview. By 1881, 25 buildings were under construction eventually leading to a smelter, a mercantile store, a grocery store two hotels, a post office, a drug store, a doctor and a school. Anyone who took on being a lawman needed to be well equipped and a coach gun was the perfect tool for keeping the peace. Starting in England in the 1600’s, coach guns were usually large bore “ fowling pieces”. Common was the single shot “ blunderbuss” of 6 or 8 bore. In the New World, the blunderbuss continued as a coach gun. As double -barreled 10 bore or 12 bore fowling pieces , ie “ shotguns “ became common by the early 1820’s, they supplanted the single shot weapon. By the post “War Between The States” era, in the time frame from 1865 to about 1900 which can be called “The Wild West”, double barrel muzzle loaders were generally supplanted after 1870 or so by break open center fire cartridge firing guns. These were typically shotguns on the various break-open designs, especially the - still in use in modern times - Anson & Deeley hinge pattern, or similar. These guns were commonly of 10 or 12 gauge with 18 – 24 inch barrels for easy handling and exposed hammers for hand cocking. Every Wells Fargo coach carried at least one for arming the shotgun guard(s) to protect valuables, jewelry, cash, gold bullion being transported to banks, the passengers and US Mail. Also known as a "messenger's gun", the coach gun was used to protect stagecoach shipments. Wells Fargo & Company assigned messengers to guard its shipments on stagecoaches in California. The company did not purchase firearms enmass and distribute them. Rather, it was up to the local agents to purchase any needed equipment locally and dispense as required. The Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label is marked, "10 Ga. SHOTGUN owned by HOWARD DURST, Sheriff of Fairview, New Mexico". This 10ga side-by-side shotgun is engraved on the right side of the receiver, "N. R. DAVIS & CO." and "TWIST." on the left. The Damascus, "twist steel" barrels feature very striking patterns. Leather butt pad appears newer in age. Warm patina observed throughout. Walnut stock is well preserved showing rich patina throughout, rich patina adorning the barrel and receiver in overall well preserved condition. Barrels are 17"L, overall length is 33", weight is 7lb, 2oz. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.

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